Gymnasts and Knee Injuries
When gymnasts take the floor, it is a thing of beauty. The moves they make with their bodies astound many, as they are incredibly flexible. Many people take part in this sport with no injuries. However, the body is put under a great deal of stress as it is still developing in child gymnasts. Furthermore, it tends to become fatigued due to the amount of practice needed to master these skills. Not warming up properly puts a person more at risk for injuries, and using incorrect techniques can lead to damage to the body. When the knees are under a great deal of stress, Mueller braces and supports may be of benefit.
Shock Absorbers
The knees absorb shock when a person walks, runs, or engages in a sport such as gymnastics. What many people don't realize is the amount of force put on the knees when completing many gymnastics moves. For instance, every time a gymnast completes a double backward somersault, he or she is putting 8 to 14 times more vertical ground reaction force on the knees than their body weight. For a 100 pound gymnast, this is the equivalent of 800 to 1400 pounds of force on this body part.
Common Knee Injuries Seen in Gymnasts
Gymnasts find the ligaments and tendons in their knees may be damaged during landings or while doing various other moves. This can come in the form of a micro-trauma or an acute trauma, and often occurs in the kneecap or patella. The kneecap may be painful as the growth plate has become inflamed, the patella is no longer stable, tendonitis has set in, or the kneecap has become dislocated. Subluxation or a partial dislocation of the kneecap is another problem a gymnast may face during his or her time on the mats. With the help of a knee brace or support, the knee can be protected as stress on the ligaments is reduced. Movement is not restricted when the correct brace or support is selected.
If you participate in gymnastics or have a child who does, consider making use of Mueller braces and supports. Work with a medical professional to determine which brace or support is needed to ensure the maximum amount of protection. Individuals who take precautionary measures such as these find they reduce their risk of injuring the knee. However, every gymnast must ensure they properly warm up before attempting any moves, as they cool down, and that the proper technique is used at all times. By taking these steps, a gymnast will find he or she can do more and stay healthy in the process.