The knee is a complex joint, and the many moving parts are prone to injury. Some are less serious than others, though they can all leave you sidelined for a while, which is why prevention is a must. Below, you’ll find the basics on common knee injuries and ways to prevent them, which includes increasing muscle and bone strength.

Understanding Knee Injury Prevention

1. Fractures

Falling and hitting your knees on the cement will happen during sports and day-to-day life, and it can result in bone fractures. These thin breaks occur most often in the knee caps, which is why you should be mindful of where you’re walking. This maxim is especially true for people with osteoporosis or low bone strength. Wear supportive shoes when running, wear knee pads during contact sports, and always walk carefully on slippery or uneven terrain.

2. Ligament & Meniscus Tears

A series of ligaments and padding, called the menisci, are what help your knee function. When you twist or move awkwardly, it’s possible to tear this. This issue is especially prevalent in athletes. In many cases, such as with ACL tears, surgery is required to repair the ligament. If tears are minor, you should still immobilize the joint for several months. The best way to counter these injuries is by stretching for 10 minutes and doing light cardio before intense exercise.

3. Dislocation

Trauma or awkward movement can dislocate one or more bones in the knee, creating pain and impeding mobility. Surgery may be needed to relocate the bones. You can prevent this injury by increasing muscle, tendon, and bone strength and wearing protective gear during contact activities.

If you’re susceptible to knee injuries and have weak bone strength from osteoporosis, OsteoStrong of O’Fallon, MO, can help you recover. They tailor procedures to both athletes and everyday patients that want to improve bone strength and overall joint health. Their state-of-the-art facility and staff help with lower back pain, joint injuries, hip pain, and surgery recovery, which you can learn more about on their website. Call (636) 238-8698 to speak with a representative and connect on Facebook for news and updates.