The answer is No. However, knee pain is a common issue, particularly due to the emphasis on kicking during training. As the knee joint is situated between two highly mobile joints, the hip above and the ankle below, it often becomes the first joint that experiences pain.
Knee pain and other lower extremity problems in Taekwondo can be categorized as either acute (traumatic injury) or chronic (cumulative issues).
Acute injuries typically occur from impact, either between athletes or between an athlete and an object, such as breaking a board or tile.
Chronic issues are complex and potentially more dangerous, as the pain may not always be apparent. It can arise over time due to various factors. These include a poor warm-up routine, incorrect execution of techniques, insufficient or excessive stretching, forceful ballistic movements, training on unsuitable surfaces, or extreme conditions. Potential issues may include muscle strains or tears, joint sprains, ligament damage, stress fractures from over-training, and dehydration.
Understanding your body is vital for everyone, from competitive athletes to those who simply wish to maintain fitness. Overlooking health issues could result in missed opportunities for achieving excellence.
Some knee pain types require immediate medical attention or manual therapy. Others can be managed by adding specific exercises to your workout routine or adjusting your warm-up and cool-down phases during training and competition.
Be proactive and seize the opportunity to become a champion. Abe Health, in collaboration with several Maltese clinics, offers free assessments for Musculoskeletal disorders.