Knee injuries are one of the most frustrating injuries you can get because they will limit you from doing so many different exercises. Also, since you have two knees, the chances of injury are going to be significantly higher. You don’t always insult both at the same time, so in many cases, one knee starts to hurt and just when it gets better, the other kicks in.

Nothing is more frustrating than this situation.

Fortunately, you can help prevent knee injuries by taking a few smart steps. Let’s review what you need to know…

1. Pay attention to where you exercise. First of all, be sure to pay attention to where you are exercising The surface you perform the exercise on will influence the amount of total impact that will be delivered to your knees.

For example, repetitive jumping on concrete and asphalt are more likely to injure your joints than jumping on grass, so if jumping is part of your workout, make sure you’re on a grassy surface.

Avoid concrete at all costs and if you are someone who has suffered from knee pain before, you may want to consider adding more treadmill runs than outdoor runs. The treadmill will provide a more cushioned surface.

2. Invest in good footwear. In addition to looking at the environment in which you run, also think about the shoes you wear. Are you still supportive? Do you have the right arch support for your foot structure?

If none of these are true, you need to buy new shoes, soon. Many people underestimate how much a good pair of cross-training shoes will help prevent not only knee pain, but other body aches as well.

Remember just because your footwear can appearance again, this does not necessarily mean that it is working as it should.

3. Listen to your body. Also be sure to listen to your body. If you’re jumping rope or running and start to feel pain, don’t ignore it. It is there for a reason.

Learn when you can continue or when you should stop exercising immediately. By learning to read your body, you can stop exercising before the pain turns into a full-blown injury.

4. Lose excess weight. Finally, if you are currently overweight, consider losing some. Carrying excess weight will only increase the overall amount of stress placed on your knees with each step you take, increasing your risk of injury.

Even 10 pounds lost (and never found again) can make a significant difference.

Here are some key points to know and remember about knee pain. Follow these steps and hopefully you will never find it.