Hockey Player Derek Sanderson explains why players of that sport are so susceptible: "Once you make a cut, your body is committed to where your feet go. It's impossible to get your foot out of that rut. If you come in contact with another body going twenty-five miles an hour, your knee is automatically going to go. You'll tear all the ligaments and cartilages in the knee." These injuries sometimes result in an unstable knee joint that can make you feel old before your time. Early surgery for completely torn ligaments is considered by orthopedics to be mandatory. The unstable knee joint must be dealt with and compensated for by muscle training or surgical reconstruction.

Knee injuries and knee sprains resulting from twisting or side forces directed toward the joint are sometimes difficult to deal with and are usually extremely frustrating.

Treatment for a knee injury should include the following:

• After the injury, ice the knee. Wrap it with an elastic bandage and elevate it.
• Rest it. Use a pair of crutches to help you get around. Forget about the pro hockey player who gets a pain killer injected into his knee and returns to the game.
• Have your injury evaluated by a physician within the first few days of the injury.
• Work to rehabilitate your knee as much as possible. These injuries take a long time to heal, and weakened knee is easily reinjuried.
• Perform knee strengthening exercises.