The knee joints are responsible for transferring movements to and from the hips and ankles. However unlike the hip and ankle joints, which are designed to move in multiple directions, the knee is more of a modified hinge joint.

The knee is designed to move back and forth, however rotation is limited. Rotation which is where issues can arise, sudden twisting of the leg can cause rupture of the various ligaments; MCL, PCL, LCL and ACL.

Long term exposure to high impact such as running and jumping can also damage tissues within the knee such as the meniscus, which acts as a cushion within the knee joint.

Treating damage to the knee whether pre or post- surgically relies on strengthening the muscles around the knee joint to stop excessive forces damaging the joint further when moving.