Which group is at higher risk for developing knee joint injuries?

Individuals involved in high-impact sports are at a higher risk for developing knee joint injuries due to the nature of their activities. High-impact sports often involve rapid movements, such as jumping, sprinting, cutting, and pivoting, which place significant stress on the knee joint. These dynamic movements can lead to acute injuries, such as tears to the ligaments (like the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL), as well as chronic conditions due to overuse, like tendonitis.

Athletes participating in contact sports, such as football, basketball, or soccer, are particularly prone to these injuries, which can result from both the high physical demands of these sports and interactions with other players. Additionally, the intense training regimens and competitive environment can lead to insufficient recovery time, further increasing the risk of injury.

While older adults, non-athletes, and children may experience knee issues, the mechanics and the intensity of high-impact sports make individuals in that category significantly more vulnerable to knee joint injuries.