FOX 29's Jennaphr Frederick spoke to orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Dr. Peter DeLuca about why more women, like herself, are suffering knee injuries.
DeLuca said the reason for the rise is because there are so many more women playing sports today than in the past, but their anatomy is working against them. Women have a wider pelvis that puts more strain on the ACL tendon in the knee. Women's ACLs are already smaller than men's to correct for a smaller body mass.
A lot of research is going into preventing these types of injuries in women. An exercise program has been developed to help prevent ACL tears, but it can't guarantee protection from an injury.
"The key is you have to do it," DeLuca said, "If you stop doing it for even two or three weeks then you are back to where you were before."
While in recovery, women should avoid sports like snowboarding and skateboarding. If they feel like they have to wear heels, wedges will put less strain on knees than regular heels.
There are 150,000 ACL tears in the U.S. each year, with the recovery period stretching from six to nine months. Many of these can be avoided by exercising the hips and practicing soft landings by bending at the hips and knees.
Thursday, May 16 2013 11:50 AM EDT2013-05-16 15:50:32 GMT
Parents, ever wonder what kind of crazy stuff your kids are trying when you're not around? Some are harmless. But we'll show you a few that are really dangerous.
Parents, ever wonder what kind of crazy stuff your kids are trying when you're not around? Some are harmless. But we'll show you a few that are really dangerous.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 5:49 PM EDT2013-05-14 21:49:13 GMT
A Hollywood A-lister takes the world by surprise by opening up about a very private matter. Angelina Jolie revealed Tuesday she chose to have a double mastectomy to lower her risk of getting cancer.
A Hollywood A-lister takes the world by surprise by opening up about a very private matter. Angelina Jolie revealed Tuesday she chose to have a double mastectomy to lower her risk of getting cancer. Jolie's not the first woman to do it, but she may be the most high profile. Her decision is touching off a serious conversation about the preventive measure.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 10:57 AM EDT2013-05-14 14:57:52 GMT
Angelina Jolie has gotten a surgery she hopes will save her life. The actress says she had a preventative double mastectomy after finding out she carried the breast cancer gene.
Angelina Jolie has gotten a surgery she hopes will save her life. The actress says she had a preventative double mastectomy after finding out she carried the breast cancer gene.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:59 AM EDT2013-05-17 10:59:32 GMT
Hurricane Sandy slammed into the coast of New Jersey last October.The beloved shore towns of so many millions were battered.Businesses were destroyed. Homes were demolished. Many tears were shed.But,
Hurricane Sandy slammed into the coast of New Jersey last October.The beloved shore towns of so many millions were battered.Businesses were destroyed. Homes were demolished. Many tears were shed.But,
Thursday, May 16 2013 10:45 AM EDT2013-05-16 14:45:47 GMT
One of the top football prospects in Pennsylvania is giving up a free ride to college. Hear the reason why, in his own words, he'd rather run into a recording studio than into the end zone.
One of the top football prospects in Pennsylvania is giving up a free ride to college. Hear the reason why, in his own words, he'd rather run into a recording studio than into the end zone.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:58 AM EDT2013-05-15 13:58:24 GMT
It was early in the morning when Kacie and Jenn set out for the Jersey shore - Matoloking to be exact. The mission was to catch Prince Harry's eye - maybe meet and chat with the Prince. Kacie diligently
It was early in the morning when Kacie and Jenn set out for the Jersey shore - Matoloking to be exact. The mission was to catch Prince Harry's eye - maybe meet and chat with the Prince. Kacie diligently
Tuesday, May 14 2013 10:57 AM EDT2013-05-14 14:57:52 GMT
Angelina Jolie has gotten a surgery she hopes will save her life. The actress says she had a preventative double mastectomy after finding out she carried the breast cancer gene.
Angelina Jolie has gotten a surgery she hopes will save her life. The actress says she had a preventative double mastectomy after finding out she carried the breast cancer gene.
Monday, May 13 2013 11:48 AM EDT2013-05-13 15:48:34 GMT
The royal: His Royal Highness Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales, otherwise known as Prince Harry. The young lady: Fox 29's Kacie McDonnell. The mission: Kacie would like to meet Prince Harry
The royal: His Royal Highness Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales, otherwise known as Prince Harry. The young lady: Fox 29's Kacie McDonnell. The mission: Kacie would like to meet Prince Harry
