Women Are 2x More Likely To Have Knee Injuries—Here’s What To Do About It

Knee injuries, especially ACL tears, are a common setback for women—and it’s not just bad luck. 

According to Miho Tanaka, M.D., a leading orthopedic surgeon, women are twice as likely to experience knee injuries and four to eight times more likely to sustain ACL injuries due to a combination of biomechanics, muscle imbalances, and even hormonal fluctuations.

Several factors make women more susceptible to knee injuries. Differences in hip structure and center of gravity can affect movement patterns, while weaker core and hamstring muscles leave the knee less supported during high-impact activities like jumping, pivoting, or cutting. 

Tanaka emphasizes the need for more research on the influence of hormones on injury risk. She highlights the role of relaxin, a hormone most often associated with pregnancy, which influences the structure and flexibility of ligaments.