5 Ways You’re Killing Your Knees

Your knees take on stress every day. In fact, this highly vulnerable and complex joint is highly susceptible to injury. Whether you’re a trained athlete or an occasional outdoor enthusiast, there are things you should know about protecting your knees from undue stress and strain to protect against knee injuries. If you find yourself doing any of the following, you’re likely not doing your knees any favors.

1. Being Overweight
   This is perhaps the number one reason for knee pain. Extra body weight adds stress to your knees and ups your chances of developing osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that’s known to wear away the cartilage in your knee.
2. Dismissing Pain
   It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly the type of pain you’re feeling, whether it’s general achiness or something more concerning. If the pain you experience is getting in the way of your ability to do a typical activity normally, it’s a good idea to see your doctor.
3. Overexertion
   Don’t overdo it when you work out. This can put undue pressure on your knee joints and increase your likelihood of an injury. Instead, slowly increase the intensity and duration of your workout to help your body adjust in an appropriate amount of time.
4. Bouncing Back Too Soon
   If you’ve recently had a knee injury, it’s critical that you give it the time necessary to recuperate afterward. How long you need to fully recover depends on the extent of the damage, but it typically ranges from a couple of weeks to a few months. Heed your doctor’s advice to make sure you’re giving your knee all the time it needs to heal properly.
5. Neglecting Surrounding Knee Muscles
   The muscles adjacent to the knee are just as important to overall knee health. If they’re weak and inflexible, your chance of a knee injury increases. A good way to strengthen these muscles is by stretching, as well as doing knee extensions, leg presses and hamstring curls.

Are You Interested In Learning More About Treating Your Knees Right?
To learn more about ways to avoid a knee injury, or for more information about the services we provide, please contact our office or 805.682.1394.