Some cases can result in reduced function and disability, limiting affected individuals' ability to perform daily tasks.
Each of these bones is covered with a thin, smooth coating called articular cartilage.
There are two tough, rubbery pieces of cartilage between the femur and tibia.
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Combined, these pieces of cartilage are called themeniscus, and act as shock absorbers between the two bones.
The entire knee is also surrounded by a fluid-filled membrane called asynovial membrane.
This membrane produces a fluid that lubricates the cartilage in the joint to reduce friction during movement.
An active person takes about 10,000 steps each day.
This means that each knee is shouldering about 5,000 steps every single day.
Avoid Injuries
One of the best ways to protect your knees is to avoid injuries.
One form of arthritis ispost-traumatic osteoarthritis, which develops in the joint that was injured.
It’s a progressive process, with damage building over time.
Maintain a Healthy Body Weight
Obesity is a major risk factor for problems in the knee.
The knee bears a lot of pressure from the body during activities like walking and running.
A heavy weight increases the pressure placed on the knee jointparticularly as your level of activity increases.
Even small weight losses can help.
Maintaining a healthy weight is a good goal to set to protect your joints.
Doing the right exercises with the wrong technique can cause short-term injuries and long-term damage to your knee.
The following types of exercise can help you stay active while maintaining healthy knees joints.
High-impact activities likejoggingand cross training can be particularly hard on the knees.
Strength training builds muscles that support joints and helps absorb some of the pressure placed on the knee joint.
Proper stretching can also support the core and hip, and help build strength.
Stretching is also useful during recovery from knee injury or surgeries.
Arthritis, meniscus and ligament tears, fractures, and other serious conditions usually require a proper diagnosis.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Arthritis of the knee.
Harvard Medical School.Age-proof your knees.
Penn Medicine.Low impact exercises for joint pain.
