Knee injuries are one of the most frustrating injuries you can suffer from because they will limit your performing so many different exercises. In addition, since you have two knees, the chances of injury are going to be significantly higher. You don’t always injure both at once so, in many cases, one knee will start hurting and just as it gets better, the other starts up.
Nothing is more frustrating than this situation.
Fortunately, you can help prevent knee injuries by taking a few smart steps. Let’s go over what you should know…
1. Pay Attention To Where You Exercise. First, be sure you are paying attention to where you are exercising. The surface on which you are performing exercise will influence how much total impact is going to be placed on your knees.
For instance, repetitive jumping on concrete and asphalt in more likely to injure your joints than jumping on grass, so if skipping is in your workout, make sure you are on a grassy surface.
Avoid concrete at all costs and if you are someone who has suffered from knee pain before, you may want to consider adding more treadmill running than outdoor running. The treadmill will provide a more cushioned surface.
2. Invest In Good Footwear. In addition to looking at the environment in which you run, also think about the footwear you are wearing. Is it still supportive? Does it have proper arch support for your foot build?
If neither of these is true, you need to be shopping for new shoes – pronto. Many people underestimate how much a good pair of cross-training shoes will help prevent not only knee pain, but other body pain as well.
Remember just because your footwear may look new, this doesn’t necessary mean it is performing like it should.
3. Listen To Your Body. Also make sure you are listening to your body. If you are jumping rope or running and you start to feel pain, don’t ignore it. It’s there for a reason.
Learn when you can keep going or when you should stop the exercise immediately. If you learn to read your body, you can stop exercising before the pain becomes a full-blown injury.
4. Lose Excess Weight. Finally, if you are currently carrying excess weight, consider losing some. Excess weight will only increase the total amount of stress being placed on your knees with each and every step you take, leading to a higher risk of injury.
Even 10 pounds lost (and never to be found again), can make a significant difference.
So there you have some key points to know and remember regarding knee pain. Take these steps and you hopefully your will never encounter it.
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