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(HealthDayNews) -- Women are twice as likely to suffer serious knee injuries as men, according to Rush-Presbyterian-St. Lukes Medical Center. Much has to do with differences in the female and male anatomy.
Here are some was you can strengthen your knees and prevent injury:
- Improve your overall strength and fitness.
- Control your weight. When you walk, each extra pound adds four pounds of pressure to the kneecap. And when you climb steps, that pound adds 20 pounds of pressure.
- Buy sturdy shoes made for the specific exercise you do. Replace them when the inner or outer shoes appear worn.
- Strengthen your legs, especially your hamstrings. Try hamstring curls: Lie on your back and draw your lower legs upward. Use resistance equal to about 10 percent of your body weight. Do a few sets of repetitions; hold them a second or two.
