Dr. Goldstein, why do you all see so many Weekend Warrior injuries?
• Weekend Warriors are usually men, often former athletes, whose weekend activities can be described as “too much, too fast, too far.”
• They feel committed to a sport or activity, but, based on life, work, family demands, find themselves with limited time to participate.
• They try to squeeze in rigorous physical activity on their off days – usually the weekend – and all too often this results in aches, pains and even more serious injuries.

What is the most common Weekend Warrior injury you see?
• As an orthopaedic surgeon, I see a lot of serious Weekend Warrior injuries to the knee.
• The knee is at high risk for injury because of its complexity and the enormous amount of force it absorbs and stress it takes.
• Knee injuries often result from a blow to the knee, twisting or turning or an improper landing.
• The most common knee injuries I treat are intra-articular (inside the knee), including meniscal tears and ligament tears.

Tell us more about meniscal tears & ligament tears.
1. Meniscal Tears – The meniscus is a “C” shaped cartilage cushion, which is like a wedge within the knee.
• There are two in each knee which cushion, support, and aid movement.
• Injury to the meniscus is very common and is one of the most frequently occurring cartilage injuries of the knee.
• Menicus tears can occur from wear and tear over time or from a sudden twist, turn, or even slowing down when running.
• As you get older, your meniscus gets worn. This can make it tear more easily.
Meniscal Tear - Signs & Symptoms – Like a lot of knee injuries, a meniscus tear can be painful and debilitating.
• Pain in knee
• Swelling and stiffness
• Fluid build-up inside on top of knee
• Sensation that knee is getting stuck or locking

2. Ligament Tears – The majority of stabilization in the knee comes from the ligaments.
• The cruciate ligaments are made up of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), which cross to form an “x” shape inside the knee.
• The collateral ligaments provide additional stability on the inside of the knee through the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and outside the knee through the lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
• Ligament injuries in the knee - such as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) -- are dreaded by pro and amateur athletes alike.
• They can be painful and debilitating. They can even permanently change your lifestyle.
• But there's good news. While an ACL injury or other ligament damage once ended the career of many an athlete, treatment has become much more successful.

Ligament Tears - Signs & Symptoms
• Pain, often sudden and severe
• A loud pop or snap during the injury
• Swelling
• A feeling of looseness in the joint
• Inability to put weight on the point without pain
Treatment –The form of treatment used for both meniscal & ligament tears will be dependent on the severity of the injury.
• Conservative Treatment
 Physical Therapy – We work closely with physical therapists to create an individualized program to maximize healing and restore function, strength and mobility.
 Supports - A variety of supports such as a brace, crutches or other advanced support can help restrict movement and allow the cartilage to begin the healing process.
• Surgery
 Meniscus - When conservative treatment fails, and the knee continues to be painful and locks in place, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended to repair, trim or remove the damaged meniscal cartilage.
 Ligament - Depending on the severity and type of ligament injury, surgery may be recommended.
• For ACL injuries, arthroscopic or open surgery is done using a graft to replace the damaged ligament.
• For certain PCL cases where the ligament is no longer attached properly to the shinbone, surgery is considered.
• For MCL injuries when the ligament is completely torn, surgery can help to repair it.

What are some tips to help viewers lessen the chance of suffering a Weekend Warrior injury?
• The risk of injury does not mean you shouldn’t be active, but avoiding these injuries requires some common-sense prevention.
1. Exercise
 If you don’t exercise on a regular basis (3+ days per week) and are not conditioned for a particular sport or activity, you put yourself at greater risk for injury.
 Regular exercise helps maintain your muscle strength to help prevent arthritis and keep your joints flexible and better protect them from damage.
2. Warm up and stretch.
3. Gradually increase your activity level – and intensity level – on a week-to-week basis.
4. Use proper technique.
5. Use proper gear and safety equipment.
6. Listen to your body. The “no pain, no gain” theory is not a good mantra.

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