Whether you're a young soccer player, a weekend warrior, or a seasoned marathon runner, your knees are crucial to your performance — and your health. At Premier Orthopaedic Associates, we see firsthand how knee injuries can sideline athletes of all ages. The good news? Many common knee injuries are preventable with the right approach.
Here's what you need to know:
Common Knee Injuries in Athletes
1. ACL Tears (Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries)
ACL injuries are among the most serious knee injuries. They often occur during sports that involve sudden stops, pivots, or jumps like basketball, soccer, and football.
Symptoms: A "popping" sound, swelling, instability, and pain.
2. Meniscus Tears
The meniscus acts as the knee’s shock absorber. It can tear with forceful twisting or sudden stops.
Symptoms: Swelling, stiffness, and difficulty extending the knee.
3. Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome ("Runner’s Knee")
This overuse injury affects the front of the knee and is common in runners, cyclists, and athletes who jump frequently.
Symptoms: Dull, aching pain around the kneecap.
4. Patellar Tendinitis ("Jumper’s Knee")
This occurs when the tendon connecting your kneecap to your shinbone becomes inflamed from overuse.
Symptoms: Pain and tenderness at the base of the kneecap.
5. MCL Sprains (Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries)
Often caused by direct blows to the outside of the knee, especially in contact sports like football and hockey.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and instability along the inner knee.
6. Osgood-Schlatter Disease (Common in Young Athletes)
This condition affects growing adolescents and is caused by repetitive stress where the patellar tendon attaches to the shinbone.
Symptoms: Knee pain and swelling just below the kneecap.
How to Prevent Knee Injuries
At Premier Orthopaedic Associates, we believe prevention is just as important as treatment. Here’s how athletes can protect their knees:
✅ Strengthen Supporting Muscles
Strong quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and hip muscles help stabilize and protect the knee joint.
✅ Warm Up and Cool Down
Dynamic warmups (like lunges and high knees) prepare the body for activity, while proper cool-downs help recovery.
✅ Focus on Flexibility
Stretching before and after activities improves flexibility and reduces the risk of strains and sprains.
✅ Practice Proper Technique
Work with coaches or trainers to ensure correct jumping, landing, running, and cutting techniques.
✅ Wear Proper Footwear
Shoes that provide the right support for your sport and surface can reduce strain on the knees.
✅ Cross-Train and Rest
Avoid overuse by mixing up your workouts and allowing your body to rest and recover.
✅ Listen to Your Body
Pain is a warning sign. Ignoring it can turn a minor issue into a major injury.
When to see an Orthopedic Specialist
If you're experiencing persistent knee pain, swelling, or instability, it’s important to seek professional care to prevent further damage and get you back to the activities you love faster and safer.
At Premier Orthopaedic Associates, our team specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing knee injuries in athletes of all ages. We're here to help you stay strong, stay active, and stay in the game.
Ready to prioritize your knee health?
Schedule a consultation with one of our specialists today!
📞 856.690.1616 | 🌐 poasnj.com
