Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears are becoming epidemic among women, who are up to 10 times as susceptible to injury as men, said Angelo Colosimo, director of sports medicine at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, in the Cincinnati Enquirer.
This disparity can be attributed to physiological differences: Females have more ligament laxity and flexibility as well as wider hips, which contribute to a greater amount of strain on the knees. Furthermore, female athletes often neglect to develop their hamstring muscles while training. Mary Lloyd, an expert in women's sports injuries, advises early training in "balance, landing and sports-specific skills" to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on knee compartments.
ACL injuries are prevalent in sports such as soccer and basketball, which involve jumping and pivoting; they are characterized by swelling in the knee joint and injuries can often take years to heal. Experts say that once the joint has mended, chronic pain and susceptibility to further tears are likely to persist.
Information compiled from Channel Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Enquirer
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