Knee Injuries In Female Athletes

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All athletes know that sports carry the risk of injury. The type of sport, gender of the athlete, and age of the athlete can affect the nature of most injuries. For example, it is more expected for a soccer player than a tennis player to have a leg injury. Some injuries are more serious than others and may prevent an athlete from returning to the sport. Whether the athletes return depends on the quality of treatment and rehabilitation. Different rehabilitation processes can be more effective than others. It is important for injured athletes to know what would be best for their recovery. Virtually any part of the body can be injured; however the most reoccurring site of injury for both men and women is the knee. Studies also show that females are more likely to have these injuries than males. Of the injuries to the knee, ACL injuries, MCL injuries, and chondromalacia are the most common. The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) provides stability to the knee by connecting the femur and tibia. Tearing of the ACL is one of the most common sports injuries – especially in female athletes. ScienceDaily states, “According to the NCAA, female athletes are at least twice as likely to suffer an ACL injury as male athletes and in some cases up to eight times more likely” (“Why Women Suffer More Knee Injuries"). Female anatomy and knee alignment contribute to these statistics. A male knee has more room for the ACL to stretch while twisting than a female knee. This lack of space causes the knee to pinch, and possibly tear, the ligament. Knee alignment for females is also at a greater angle than males because the pelvis of a female is wider than that of a male (McAlindon). This increases the concentration of weight on the ACL, which makes it easier for the ligament to tear during rotation or hyperflexion of the knee. A torn ACL cannot heal without surgery. While a brace or

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