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How do we protect our knees?

Author:Dr.Sunny Kim

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Patella is commonly known as patella, chondromalacia patellae is a common knee joint disease caused by the local softening and fibrosis of patella cartilage surface. Long-term weight bearing and frequent friction can cause chronic damage to our knees. 

Knee joint overactivity, torsion injury in semi-squat position, abnormal kneecap position, such as tilt position, women wearing high heels, will make knee cartilage under long-term abnormal pressure, resulting in ischemic changes, cartilage metabolism abnormalities, cartilage softening. Symptoms such as subpatellar pain and bouncing of the knees when squatting are common. Being overweight, climbing stairs, climbing mountains, squatting and sitting for long periods of time can all make symptoms worse. Knee cartilage is a consumable, and if not protected, it will wear out and eventually lead to knee disease. But in daily life, there are ways to protect the knee and extend its life. 

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1. Fully move joints before exercise can stimulate all parts of patella joint surface, and nutrients in synovial fluid can evenly penetrate into cartilage tissue to enhance the lubrication effect of joints.

2. Avoid persistent squatting and strenuous exercise, such as climbing, climbing stairs and other exercises with greater pressure on the knee joints.

3. Sitting for long periods of time deprives articular cartilage of nutrients. It is recommended to stand up and walk for five minutes every hour, which not only restores the body's tension, but also nourishes the cartilage.

4. Weight control: Proper weight can reduce the pressure on the knee, while obesity can increase the pressure on the knee, increasing the risk of degenerative diseases. Control your weight through diet and moderate exercise such as jogging, cycling, or swimming.

5. Cartilage nutrition: Eat more foods with vitamins and protein. Glucosamine can be supplemented appropriately according to the situation.

6. Pay attention to keep warm and prevent cold, and keep knee joints warm.

7. Increase muscle strength in the lower extremities by exercising the quadriceps, which is important for knee stability. The specific methods are as follows: Kick in sitting position. During exercise, sit in a chair, keep your knees out of the seat, keep your whole leg straight and level with the ground, tighten your toes and feel your thighs contract, lift them up for 10-15 seconds, lower them slowly, alternate your legs, 20 times for each set, do 3 sets every day.

(1)Kick in sitting position. During exercise, sit in a chair, keep your knees out of the seat, keep your whole leg straight and level with the ground, tighten your toes and feel your thighs contract, lift them up for 10-15 seconds, lower them slowly, alternate your legs, 20 times for each set, do 3 sets every day. 

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(2)Squat against the wall. With your legs hip-width apart, keep your knees no higher than your toes, keep your upper body close to the wall and your calves perpendicular to the floor. Squat down and repeat 5-6 times.   

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