Knee injuries are one of the most common among athletes, with about 150,000 ACL tears occurring in the United States each year. Physical Therapy Specialists in Dothan, AL, explains that athletes — especially football, basketball, and soccer players — need to be proactive about protecting weak knees before injury strikes. Their team of physical therapists has shared three techniques for protecting weak knees during sports.

Physical Therapists Lists Ways for Athletes to Protect Weak Knees

1. Use a Knee Brace

Most knee injuries occur when the joint is forced to bend unnaturally, whether from direct impact or a sudden change in direction. Athletes who wear knee braces during games and workouts benefit from added support and stability. They minimize side-to-side movement, firmly holding the knee joint in place during contact sports and reducing overextension.

2. Perform Lower Body Exercises

Lower body exercises like partial squats, leg lifts, and wall sits help strengthen knee ligaments and tendons, granting you greater stability. Proper form is key when performing these moves as incorrect technique can lead to further injury.

Reduce stress on your knees by keeping your knees behind your toes and over your ankles when bending. You should feel like you are sitting back into a chair. Machines like the leg press and elliptical trainer also offer low-impact workouts that put minimal stress on your joints.

3. Choose the Right Footwear

Your footwear might be to blame for knee problems. The physical therapists at Physical Therapy Specialists will often perform a gait analysis to ensure their clients are wearing the right sneakers during sports:

• Pronation: This is a natural inward roll of the foot as you run. These athletes subconsciously put a lot of pressure on the knees and need shoes with thick, hard material in the arches.
• Supination: Referred to as “turning out,” athletes with supination have an outward roll of the foot when they run. Avoid aggravating the knee by choosing sneakers that provide cushioning and flexibility.

If knee pain is holding you back, talk to the physical therapists at Physical Therapy Specialists about effective treatment plans. These professionals have over 10 years of experience with sports physical therapy, pain management, and post-surgical treatment. To learn more about their outpatient therapy services or to schedule a consultation, give them a call today at (334) 673-2422.