What are the most common injuries in the lower extremity?

The most common injuries in the lower extremity are typically associated with the knees and ankles. This is due to their critical roles in supporting movement and weight-bearing activities, particularly in sports and physical activities. The knees are susceptible to a range of injuries, such as ligament sprains and tears, due to the stress placed on them during activities involving jumping, cutting, or pivoting. Similarly, the ankles are frequently injured, especially through sprains that occur from awkward landings or quick lateral movements.

While injuries to the hips, thighs, and feet are certainly possible, they are less prevalent in comparison to knee and ankle injuries. The concentration of forces and movements that athletes and active individuals often perform leads to a higher incidence of knee and ankle injuries, making this option the most representative of common lower extremity injuries. Understanding this prevalence can help in the development of injury prevention strategies and training programs tailored to safeguard these vulnerable areas.