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Don't Stay Sidelined with Knee Pain


What Are the Common Causes of Knee Injuries?

The most common cause of knee pain is knee injury. Sudden injuries are usually caused from falling, abnormal twisting, jumping or bending the knee improperly. A direct blow to the knee can also cause a knee injury. Within minutes of a knee injury, you may feel severe pain with bruising, popping, inflammation and swelling. Although you cannot see the actual knee damage, during a knee injury, you may pinch delicate nerves or blood vessels. Your lower leg or knee may lose feeling and become numb or feel cold or weak.
Common acute knee injuries include:
  • Sprains, strains or other injuries to the supportive ligaments and tendons. As an example, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a common sports injury generally caused by jumping, a violent twisting, stopping suddenly or shifting weight to the other leg.
  • A tear in the rubbery cushions of the knee joint (meniscus), which can happen as a result of injury or overuse.
  • Fractures or breaks of any of the bones of the knee are traumatic injuries typically caused by moderate to high forces—such as car accidents, contact sports or falls.
  • Kneecap dislocation, which is more common in women, the obese, knock-kneed people and in those with high-riding kneecaps.
  • Knee joint dislocation, although rare, is a true limb-threatening emergency.




As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.