The many causes of knee joint deterioration

The many causes of knee joint deterioration

Function of the knee joint

Knee pain is a common problem that brings patients to seek out medical attention, because the knee joint is a weight-bearing joint that supports the body during activities such as standing, walking, running, and other daily activities, any abnormal sensations can be hard to ignore.

Therefore, when the knee joint moves, whether sitting or standing, it is more prone to deterioration. Treatment may require knee replacement surgery.

Causes of knee joint deterioration include the softening of bone cartilage from increased usage with age and other related factors such as:

1. Genetics
2. Overuse of the knee joint
3. Poor health and excessive body weight
4. Previous injury or illness that leads to faster knee deterioration.

How do you know if you have knee joint deterioration?

• Increased knee pain when pressure is applied to the joint

• Sitting or lying down can relieve knee pain

• Joint stiffness in the morning that improves with walking

• Knee pain may not be consistent

• Greater knee swelling with increased knee joint deterioration

• Knee joint deterioration over a long period of time can cause the joint to become deformed and limit flexibility in the leg muscles.

Best Practices:

1. Use of Cold or Hot Compress:

• Use cold compress in cases of sudden swelling, especially within the first 24 hours after injury. Do not massage, rub, twist or pull during this period.

• Use hot compress after 24 hours or in chronic cases.

2. Use of Elastic Bandage or Knee Support:

Use an elastic bandage or knee support to help support the knee joint when necessary to move.

3. Resting the Knee Joint:

Rest the knee joint or use walking aids such as crutches to reduce weight-bearing on the knee joint.

4. Knee Joint Care:

• Avoid standing or walking excessively.

• Use stairs only when necessary.

• Reduce or control body weight to avoid excessive weight-bearing on the knee joint.

• Avoid excessive bending or folding of the knee joint, such as avoiding sitting in a crossed-legged position, sitting on low chairs or kneeling.

• Use walking aids.

Exercise to strengthen the knee joint should be done when the pain has subsided.

Knee exercises:

1. Lying down

Use a pillow to support your knee, straighten your knee and hold it stiff for 5-10 seconds, then release and alternate sides. Do 10-20 repetitions on each side.

2. Sitting

You can do this by sitting cross-legged on the floor or on a table. Place your hand on the floor or table to support yourself or lean against a wall (if available). Straighten your knee and hold it stiff for 5-10 seconds, then release and alternate sides. Do 10-20 repetitions on each side.

3. Prone lying

Bend your knee and hold it stiff for 5-10 seconds, then release and do 10-20 repetitions on each side.

4. Lying down with knees up against the bed

Lie down and straighten your knee so that it touches the bed, hold it stiff for 5-10 seconds, then release and alternate sides. Do 10-20 repetitions on each side.

When exercising in each position, if you are able to perform the exercise well, you can use a sandbag to add weight to your ankle. Start with a small amount of weight and a small number of repetitions, such as 0.5-2.0 kilograms, depending on your age and fitness level.

However, if you experience increased pain or your condition worsens, you should consult a doctor. Treatment options vary and may include knee replacement surgery.