Knee injuries linked to ovulation

Weak knees may have more to do with person's gender than is currently thought. According to new research, women are more likely to suffer from ligament injuries in the knee during their time of ovulation. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan revealed that hormones may play a role in the susceptibility of women to develop ligament trouble in their knees. They collected urine samples of women who had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, a day afterwards. They found that the injury rate was almost 2.5 times more than expected, when ovulation was occurring. The findings also suggested that oral contraceptives may be able to provide some protection against such injuries. This is because, oral contraceptive pills bring about changes in ovulation by altering the hormonal profile of the body. It is believed that women suffer from ligament injuries in the knee more than men because of their stature i.e., wide hips and muscularly weaker legs. The researchers however cautioned against some obvious conclusions that may be derived out of such studies. The study does not in any way seek to encourage the use of oral contraceptives to protect against such injuries. It also does not justify the non-inclusion of women in sports to protect them from knee injuries. More in-depth research may be needed to establish a causal link between knee injuries and oral contraceptives. An ACL injury is usually treated with ACL reconstruction surgery and physiotherapy is needed to get mobility back in the limb. Regaining pre-injury level of activity may take up to 6 months after the operation. Many athletes suffer from this injury and may be forced out of action for long periods of time. Physiotherapy is usually the only long term treatment option.