Neymar’s injury is common among non-athletes – see 6 ways to avoid it

A clicking sound followed by sudden knee pain is a sign that you need to see a specialist for proper treatment

The knee is one of the main targets of injuries during exercise, after all it is a large and complex joint, responsible for supporting the body and very demanding during movement. And among the most common knee injuries is that of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the same one that Neymar suffered last Tuesday (17) in a match against Uruguay. This type of problem is also the main cause of surgical indication among athletes and sportspeople.

“This ligament is responsible for stabilizing the knee joint, especially in moments of acceleration and deceleration or in rotational movements. Therefore, it is commonly injured in sports that require frequent position changes, such as football. The mechanism of the trauma generally involves the movement of the knee inwards at the same time as the rotation of the tibia outwards and the foot stuck on the ground”, explains Marcos Cortelazo, an orthopedist specializing in knee and sports traumatology, member of the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SBOT).

But it is not only professional athletes who are subject to this type of injury, it can also affect amateur athletes and even those who do not practice physical activity, due, for example, to falls.

“Obesity, muscle weakness, training overload, advanced age, joint hypermobility, knee valgus [para dentro] and previous injuries of the anterior cruciate ligament are some of the factors that favor the onset of this type of trauma”, explains the specialist.

Therefore, to avoid the problem, it is essential to take some precautions, especially during physical activity, as Marcos Cortelazo points out below:

Seek professional guidance

Before you start practicing any type of physical activity, it is important to seek out a qualified professional, such as physical educators, to guide you on how to perform physical exercises correctly.

“Practicing physical activity without adequate professional supervision can lead to overload, excessive repetitions and incorrect execution of exercises, which are among the main causes of knee injuries,” says Marcos, who also advises, if you already feel knee pain, It is also important to consult an orthopedist to undergo an evaluation and check which types of exercises you are able to practice.

Always stay warm

Regardless of the exercise, it is essential to do a warm-up session before starting it.

“The warm-up is essential to prepare not only the knee, but the entire body, from the joints to organs such as the heart, for the following exercise. Starting physical activity with muscles and joints still stiff can encourage the onset of injuries,” explains the orthopedist.

Stretched

Contrary to what many people think, stretching is not synonymous with warming up and should also be done before physical activity, immediately after warming up.

“Stretching helps increase the flexibility of the muscles and the width of the knee joint, which helps reduce the load and pressure on the knees and, consequently, the risk of injury.”

Invest in strengthening exercises

Muscle strengthening exercises are a great help in preventing knee injuries.

“Because the knee depends on the action of 10 muscles to function, stretching and muscle strengthening improve joint function in the region. Furthermore, it also helps maintain stability during movement, as well as reduce the load on the joint. Therefore, if the muscles in the region are weak, locomotion is impaired and the joint becomes more susceptible to wear and damage. Therefore, muscle strengthening exercises are essential, because the stronger your muscles, the more protected your joints will be,” emphasizes Marcos.

Choose appropriate footwear

The type of athletic shoes you use during exercise can also impact knee health.

“Footwear must offer stability, have a suitable size for the foot and, obviously, be comfortable. Furthermore, the sneakers you choose must be suitable for your type of step and the physical activity you intend to practice”, explains the specialist, who underlines that, in case of doubts about the ideal shoe, the best solution is to ask for advice from an orthopedist.

Pay attention to your body’s signals

If you experience knee pain during physical activity, don’t ignore it! According to Marcos, an anterior cruciate ligament injury is usually accompanied by a popping sound followed by sudden pain in the knee.

“After the moment of trauma, the patient may notice swelling and feel reduced mobility and instability of the region, with the sensation of a loose and buckling knee,” says the doctor, who also warns that the intensity of the symptoms can vary depending on the type of trauma. condition of the severity of the injury, with some people being able to carry out activities normally, while others feel pain with even the slightest movement.

“When in doubt, the most important thing is to always consult your doctor when you suspect a possible injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, both to confirm the diagnosis and to check for the onset of other commonly associated injuries, such as meniscus and cartilage injuries “, says the orthopedist.

Surgery

According to the specialist, the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament injuries, in the vast majority of cases, requires surgical intervention.

“Surgical treatment is generally not indicated in elderly patients, without associated injuries, who do not perform physical activity and with preserved knee stability. Otherwise, surgery is recommended to reconstruct the damaged ligament, as this in itself has a poor healing capacity,” explains the specialist.

“But just as important as the surgery is the post-operative rehabilitation process which, if carried out inappropriately, can compromise the success of the treatment. This process mainly involves physiotherapy sessions, initially focused on recovering movement and then on strengthening the ligament,” underlines Marcos Cortelazo, who adds that, today, most patients are able to return to sport with the same level of intensity and performance.

“To this end, it is essential that the treatment is adequate and the return is gradual, based on the patient’s speed of rehabilitation and always with the doctor’s permission. The time it takes for the athlete to return to activities may vary depending on the case, but it is important that this process is not rushed, as returning to sporting activity too soon can significantly increase the risk of knee injuries”, concludes the doctor .

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Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.