Knee

Staying healthy and “off profile” is key for optimal military performance. Injury prevention should be as much a part of your workout routine as the workout itself. Take time for some simple preventive exercises now, and you can save yourself a lot of trouble and pain down the road. Read our tactics for preventing common sports and military injuries.

Figuring out knee pain can take some detective work, although injuries are a common cause. For example, sports-related injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and chondromalacia (also called “runner’s knee”) can cause pain and affect performance. You can help prevent such injuries by strengthening your lower leg muscles. In addition, strengthening your hamstrings and quadriceps, which cross the knee joint, can give extra stability and support to your knees. Leg exercises such as squats, lunges, curls, and extensions will improve muscular strength and endurance in your hamstrings and quadriceps.

Weight management is also important in preventing some knee injuries. Excess body weight only adds stress to the knees during weight-bearing activities such as walking, running, or jumping.

Listening to your body is also key to prevention. If you feel that minor symptoms are getting worse, it might be a good time to temporarily modify your training until symptoms subside. For example, if running is part of your cardiovascular routine, consider trying a few weeks of alternate activities that are less stressful on the joints, such as swimming or biking.

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