If your knees feel stiff and make a 'click' sound... suspect 'knee cartilage softening' (knee chondromalacia).

◇ The recent main cause is 'muscle weakness' due to lack of exercise

Knee cartilage softening is a condition where the firm knee cartilage becomes soft.

Knee cartilage helps absorb impact on the bones and allows smooth movement without friction. This cartilage becomes weakened or damaged. Structural abnormalities in the knee or thigh joints can also be causes, but environmental factors play a significant role.

Muscle weakness caused by lack of exercise is a typical example. Sitting for long periods or insufficient physical activity weakens and stiffens the muscles that support the joints. The weakened knee joint causes friction between the femur and the patella with each movement.

It can also occur when the thigh muscles weaken and there is an imbalance between the front quadriceps and the rear hamstring muscles. In particular, the incidence increases when the lower body muscle mass is low.

Direct trauma to the knee caused by obesity or intense exercise can also be a cause.

◇ Stiffness when maintaining the same posture for a long time... 'Click' sound when moving is the main symptom

Cartilage does not contain nerve cells that sense pain, so it is often the case that people do not feel significant pain until the cartilage wears away completely. Therefore, in the early stages of symptoms, individuals become aware of the condition through sounds of tearing or a dull ache.

The most common symptom is a dull ache in the front of the knee. Pain occurs when sitting in one position for a long time, such as watching a movie in a theater for an extended period or during long car trips.

Most of the time, there is little to no pain when resting, but pain worsens when kneeling, squatting, climbing stairs, or engaging in weight-bearing activities.

There is a squeaking sound in the joint, and when bending and straightening the knee, it becomes stiff, and a 'click' sound is frequently heard.

If symptoms worsen, the knee may also swell. If left untreated in the early stages, joint degeneration can progress and lead to knee arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary.

◇ Diagnosis and Treatment Process of Knee Cartilage Softening

Knee cartilage softening often appears normal on X-ray examinations. Even with additional MRI scans, if there is no serious issue, the results are almost normal.

The most accurate way to assess the extent of joint surface cracks and softening is through knee arthroscopy. The patient's medical history also aids in diagnosis.

Mild patients can expect improvement through non-surgical treatments such as medication, injections, and physical therapy. It is advisable to limit strenuous activities while using medications like pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Applying warm compresses to relax the muscles can also be beneficial.

Conservative therapies such as strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, the large muscle located at the front of the thigh, and stretching exercises for the hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh are also performed. Strengthening the muscles around the knee through exercise therapy is beneficial for symptom improvement.

If pain persists despite all conservative treatments and daily life is uncomfortable, surgery should be considered.

The surgery uses an arthroscope inserted through small incisions to treat the damaged area with a camera and surgical instruments attached to the scope. Since it is not a full open procedure, the risk of infection is lower, bleeding is minimal, and recovery is faster.

◇ Daily lifestyle guidelines for disease prevention

To prevent knee cartilage softening, it is important to improve your lifestyle habits. It is advisable to avoid squatting or sitting for long periods.

Excessive hiking, stair exercises, or exercises like squats and lunges can worsen the condition, so caution is necessary.

High heels are especially bad for knee health. Wearing high heels concentrates weight pressure on the front of the knees, putting strain on the cartilage.

You should correct bad habits that strain your knees and strengthen the muscles around your knees. It is recommended to evenly strengthen the thigh muscles through stretching, yoga, or strength training.