How to Identify Overuse Injuries in Knees

Knee injuries are commonly caused by intense physical activity that places repetitive stress on the knee joint. Oftentimes, those engaged in weightlifting or running suffer from overuse injuries in the knees because of lack of adequate rest and recuperation between vigorous workouts or activities. Several different types of injuries may be felt with overuse. Such injuries may take days, or even months, to occur. Recognizing the signs may help to prevent further damage and the need for surgical intervention. To evaluate your knees or to determine whether a physician is necessary, follow the steps below.

Instructions

• 1

  Recognizing a knee injury relies on paying attention to your body. Most people suffering from overuse injuries in the knees will feel varying degrees of muscle soreness in the knee joint area. Tendonitis may occur, a classic sign of joint overuse. This occurs when the synovial fluid (which lubricates the joint), the tendon and the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the tendon) around a joint become irritated and inflammed.

• 2

  Runners Knee is recognized by sharp pains felt around or behind the kneecap. Many suffering from this type of overuse injury hear the knee 'crack' or 'click' when it is extended. Stiffness occurs when the knee is not in use. With this type of injury, the knee may feel shaky or unstable when weight is placed on it.

• 3

  Injuries to the Iliotibial band (a rope of tissue that extends down along the outer thigh to the outside of the knee joint and into the tibia) cause inflammation and lateral knee pain. This type of injury is most common to long-distance runners and those engaged in 'spinning' classes or bicycle marathons.

• 4

  Tendonitis may occur in the kneecap or the quadriceps immediately above the knee joint. Such injuries are common in those engaged in sports or activities that require jumping or leaping. Inflammation, pain and a burning sensation are often noticed, as well as general weakness around the knee joint.

• 5

  Knee bursitis (inflammation of the bursae) is caused by excessive time spent on the knees. The bursae are fluid filled sacs that cushion the kneecap. This condition is noted by inflammation and pain over the kneecap, sometimes accompanied by a limited or decreased range of motion.