The Facts

• The knee is a complicated joint. It consists of three main bones----the femur (thigh), the tibia (shin) and the patella (kneecap). In between these bones are two types of cartilage, while joining the bones together are four major ligaments, the most famous (or infamous) of which is the ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament. All of these elements are susceptible to injury, even with a low-impact machine like the elliptical.
  
  

Acute Injuries

• Acute knee pain (like a torn ACL or torn cartilage) is the most severe and sudden type of knee pain. Though an acute knee injury is unlikely when using the elliptical, if the machine is used improperly, this type of injury is possible. If this is the case, the pain would have manifested suddenly and could easily be associated with a specific incident, like a fall or a violent twist. This type of knee injury will not occur with proper elliptical usage, however.
  
  

Overuse Injuries

• Depending on your activity level before your workout regimen began, or if the intensity was recently increased, the knee pain could be a sign of overuse. When a sedentary life is suddenly transformed into an athletic one, the previously under-worked muscle and joints may not be ready for the sudden burst of work. Examples of overuse knee problems include tendonitis, bursitis, and iliotibial band syndrome (runner's knee), all of which can generally be cured with at-home remedies.
  
  

Treatment

• See a doctor immediately about acute injuries, but follow the RICE formula for pain caused by overuse. RICE is an acronym that stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Stop the exercise regimen and apply ice no more than 20 minutes at a time until the pain subsides. Take anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen and aspirin to help relieve the pain caused by inflammation. See an orthopedist for a proper diagnosis if the pain increases or does not improve over time.
  
  

Prevention

• Stretch and warm up before starting a workout. It is also imperative that your knees (and other joints, for that matter) are not pushed too hard too fast. Realize that your body has limits.