Since the hamstring muscles are one of the main protectors of the ACL, relative weakness in this structure may lead to ACL injuries. Additional risk of injury is related to estrogen levels. This is the period when estrogen levels are the highest. Pre season conditioning to build and maintain knee muscle strength, particularly the hamstrings, may help reduce the risk of injury. This is most likely due to several factors including increased ligamentous laxity, and decreased muscle strength and coordination.
Women also have a narrower heel in relation to their forefoot than men.
Strengthening and coordination exercises for the ankle are recommended to limit the risk of this injury. Use of a balance board and elastic bands for inversion and eversion exercises are particularly helpful. Women tend to get bunions and hammer toes from narrow shoewear. These can be painful and affect athletic performance. Wider athletic shoes and bunion pads may be helpful.