NATIONWIDE -- It's one of the most common injuries in professional and collegiate sports; tearing the anterior cruciate ligament. But orthopedists nationwide say the number of teens and children experiencing this knee injury is also on the rise.
They say most injuries occur without contact, a sharp or sudden change in direction, a heavy landing, or a twist in the knee while landing. Doctor Perry Cooke says teens particularly are playing more games in their sports seasons and the overall intensity of competition has picked up.
It's one of the most common injuries in professional and collegiate sports; tearing the anterior cruciate ligament.
He says the injury requires surgery and there's a chance it may affect the growth process of the leg. Preparing for each season with strength training exercises can help prevent the injury.
"The best is to be in shape. The stronger their muscles the better they can protect your knee against that awkward moment when you plant and cut or when somebody gets under your feet and trips you or when there's a collision. The stronger your muscles the better off you're going to be able to resist that force and prevent and injury,” said Dr. Perry Cooke, Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists.
Cooke says he certainly doesn't want to encourage youths from playing sports but he says parents should be aware the injuries are becoming more common.