THURSDAY, June 17, 2004 (HealthDayNews) -- Weekend warriors and anyone else with with problem knees can get free advice from specialists July 2, simply by dialing into the American Physical Therapy Association's (APTA) toll-free national hotline.
"The 'Taking Care of the Knee' hotline is offered as a public service to help people learn about different types of knee injuries and how to prevent and manage injuries through exercise, lifestyle changes, and by following a rehabilitation program, if appropriate," said APTA officials in a prepared statement.
The toll-free hotline can be accessed by dialing 1-877-NEED-A-PT (1-877-633-3278). It will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time, July 2n.
According to APTA experts, taking care of your knees involves proper body mechanics, weight control, and adequate strength, flexibility and endurance of the muscles that surround the knee.
"Sudden or repetitive stress on the knee that often occurs in sports makes the joint vulnerable to muscle strain, tendonitis and other conditions," said Mark S. DeCarlo, president of APTA's sports section.
For people who are overweight or just starting an exercise program, safe and appropriate low-impact exercises may include walking, swimming and stationary cycling.
Women are especially susceptible to knee injuries, said physical therapist Terry Malone of the University of Kentucky.
"Women perform athletic tasks in a more upright position, putting added strain on knee ligaments, particularly the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, often resulting in ligament injury. Men use their hamstring muscles more efficiently, but women rely more on their quadriceps, which puts the knee ligaments at constant risk," Malone said.
Both women and men can protect their knees by learning proper training and strengthening techniques and patterns of movement, according to experts.
More information
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse has more about taking care of your knees.
