Runners, football players, baseball players, dancers, gymnasts, and marching band participants acquire knee injuries. The most common problems that plague athletes are torn meniscuses and tendinitis. This does not mean that the meniscus is a cushion for pain. The tearing of the meniscus can cause swelling and joint stiffness, leaving the let unable to straighten. The meniscus can either be repaired or replaced and may require an undetermined amount of time on crutches with physical therapy sessions.
Tendinitis occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed due to overuse or stretching.
The most common sufferers of tendinitis are dancers and runners. There is no cure for tendinitis and the sufferer may have to give up a favorite sport or activity if the pain becomes too great. Another problem that can happen is water on the knee. This occurs when fluid builds up in the knee and can happen after a sprain, twist, or fall. It can also be caused by an infection or can accompany rheumatoid arthritis.