5 Popular Sports That Take a Toll on Your Knees

If you're an athlete of any type, you're aware of the toll athletics can have on your body. Though moderate strain develops muscle and enhances endurance, extended participation in numerous activities can damage various muscles, joints, and other elements of the musculoskeletal system. Unfortunately, one of the most common body parts harmed by participating in various sports is the knee. Here are five of the sports most known for raising the risk of knee injury and tips on avoiding injuries.

1. Weightlifting

Weightlifting is a famously tough sport, and the risk of sustaining an injury is high. While the knee is not the most common joint to be injured while weightlifting, the risk of serious injury is still high.

Many weightlifting injuries occur because of poor technique and form. When lifting a weight, be sure to put the bar closest to your shins, and avoid bending your knees past 90 degrees. Use your legs, not your back, to lift the weight, and keep your knees slightly bent throughout the entire exercise.

2. Soccer

Soccer is notorious for knee injuries. Many of these occur from the knee being forced into an unnatural position, but others occur from the amount of stress put on the joint from repeated kicking. There are also a few injuries from the impacts of other players colliding with the knee.

Many of these injuries are unavoidable, especially in the case of collisions. However, kicking techniques can be improved to reduce the risk of injury. When kicking the ball, use the top of your foot, and make contact with the ball as close to your foot as possible. This will reduce the amount of stress placed on your knee, and prevent more serious injuries.

3. Cycling

Cycling is another high-impact sport that puts a lot of stress on the knees. Though cycling is not known for severe knee injuries, the repetitive motion of pedaling all day can cause problems.

The best way to reduce the stress on your knees while cycling is to keep your knees slightly bent and keep your foot attached to the pedal. This will help to reduce the amount of stress on the joint, and prevent repetitive motion injuries.

4. Basketball

Basketball is another high-impact sport that can put a lot of stress on your knees. The constant jumping and running can put a lot of strain on the joint, and can lead to pain and swelling.

The best way to reduce the stress on your knees while playing basketball is to wear knee pads, and to take breaks often.

5. Tennis

Tennis is another high-impact sport that can put a lot of stress on your knees. The constant twisting and turning can put a lot of strain on the joint, and can lead to pain and swelling.

The best way to reduce the stress on your knees while playing tennis is to wear knee pads, and take breaks often.

Conclusion

It is evident that different sports can have different effects on your knees. For example, running can put a lot of strain on your knees, while swimming is a low-impact activity that is unlikely to cause any knee problems. However, no matter what sport you play, it is important to take care of your knees and warm up properly before playing to avoid any injuries.
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