Women are more likely than men to suffer knee injuries. Even for women who do not experience an acute injury, complaints about knee pain are common. This is not simply a difference in who tends to report injuries more often. Rather, some specific physiological factors may make women more vulnerable to knee injuries.
Women are more likely than men to suffer knee injuries. Even for women who do not experience an acute injury, complaints about knee pain are common. This is not simply a difference in who tends to report injuries more often. Rather, some specific physiological factors may make women more vulnerable to knee injuries.
Differences in Leg Anatomy in Women
We all have the same general anatomy, but the specifics differ between men and women. Women tend to have wider hips than men. Additionally, they tend to have greater inward curvature of the thigh bones from the hip to the knee. These anatomical differences may predispose women to certain forms of knee pain.
Women Use Their Muscles Differently Than Men
Even when performing the same actions, such as kicking a ball, some evidence suggests that men and women recruit their major muscle groups differently. For example, sports medicine researchers have examined men and women as they kick a soccer ball. They found that men activate their hip flexors of the kicking leg and hip abductors (the outer muscles) of the supporting leg more than females. There are also differences in how much the glutes are activated between men and women.
Together, these differences in muscle action may make it more likely that women will suffer tears to the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL. Different muscle recruitment may also cause women to develop chronic knee pain from certain activities.
Hormonal Factors May Contribute to Women’s Knee Pain
Both men and women produce the hormone estrogen, but women produce it in greater quantities. These greater levels of circulating estrogen regulate women’s reproductive functions, but estrogen may also be bad for the joints. Higher estrogen levels are associated with changes in the formation of fibroblasts, the cells that produce collagen within connective tissue. Additionally, estrogen can affect water retention in the soft tissue within the knee. Collectively, these effects of estrogen can weaken the ligaments and make them more prone to damage, such as stretching or tearing of the ACL.
If you are suffering from aching knees, an orthopedic surgeon can help. At Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, we are experts in diagnosing knee problems in women. We can identify factors that contribute to your knee pain and suggest appropriate treatment options, such as physical therapy or orthopedic surgery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
The Form and Function of Each Ligament in Your Knee
The knee is one of our most critical joints for walking and playing sports, but it is also highly vulnerable. As a hinge joint, the knee is meant only to move in one direction. Blows from the front or sides, twisting and other movements can cause stretching or tearing of the knee ligaments. Understanding the anatomy of the knee can help you understand the origin of common knee injuries and how to avoid them.
How Yoga Helps the Back and Spine
Yoga has dramatically gained popularity in the United States over the past few decades. Originally a spiritual practice that was employed by Hindus, yoga now is recognized for its myriad health benefits. There are many types of yoga, from gentle yoga poses combined with meditation to more physically active poses intended to strengthen muscles. For people with back pain, yoga can be a fantastic way to strengthen muscles and improve spine health.
Do Compression Socks and Sleeves Give You an Advantage in Running?
When you watch a major race such as the Boston Marathon, you may notice that the gear the elite runners wear differs from the shorts and tank top you throw on for a casual run. In particular, compression socks and calf sleeves have become a popular part of the elite runner look. Adopting these compression garments could give you an advantage in your running training.
How Strength Training Can Help Reduce Sports Injuries
Most athletes focus on aerobic exercise to build their endurance, but some athletes neglect an equally important area of exercise: strength training. Even for sports such as swimming or running in which packing on muscle mass is undesirable, strength training can be tremendously beneficial. One of the biggest benefits of strength training is its ability to reduce sports injuries.
Exercises to Relieve Arthritis Pain
Approximately 52.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis, representing nearly 1 in 4 people, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This figure jumps to about 50 percent among adults older than 65 years of age. Although arthritis is a more common condition among older adults, it is possible to experience arthritis at any age. One of the most effective ways to treat arthritis pain is to engage in physical therapy or other exercises that lengthen muscles, diminish bone-on-bone contact and promote healing. Consider the following exercises to relieve arthritis pain.
What Is Carpal Tunnel?
Aching wrists or tingling palms could be more than simple fatigue after a long day of typing on a computer — they may be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome. Understanding the causes and effects of carpal tunnel may help you reduce your risk of this painful condition.
Questions You Should Ask Before Choosing a Physical Therapist
Physical therapists are experts in treating pain and restoring your functional abilities after surgery or an injury. If you have an injury, visiting a physical therapist can actually decrease recovery time or prevent you from needing surgery in the future. However, it is important to get the best physical therapy services possible. Asking questions of
your physical therapist before making an appointment will ensure that you have an excellent physical therapy experience.
What Is Tennis Elbow and How Can You Prevent It?
Repetitive use injuries cause tens of thousands of people to require orthopedic care each year. One of the most common types of repetitive use injuries involves the elbow joint. So-called “tennis elbow” can be painful and often bothers people for years before they get proper help. Taking measures to prevent tennis elbow allows you to continue engaging in the activities you love without having to limit your everyday functioning. (more…)
Six Tips for Beginner Runners
Running is one of the most egalitarian sports there is. Anyone with a pair of shoes can get outside and go for a run, making it a very accessible form of physical activity. Despite this, beginning runners often make mistakes that lead to costly and painful injuries. Follow these tips as you begin your running career to avoid injury and get fit. (more…)
