Is it okay to be young? The surprising habit of preserving joints that quickly wears them out.

Arthritis typically affects middle-aged and older adults, especially those in their 40s and older. However, it also affects those in their 20s and 30s. Overworking your body or exercising too hard when you're young can cause rapid wear and tear on your joint cartilage.

 

◇Neglecting a sprain can lead to ankle instability.

 

Ankle instability is most common in people in their 20s, due to their higher activity levels compared to other age groups. According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, approximately 33% of total medical expenses for ankle sprains and strains were paid to patients in their 20s and 30s. The primary cause of ankle instability is neglected sprains. Ligaments stretched by a sprain take four to six weeks to fully recover. However, if you resume your activities after the swelling and pain have subsided, the ligaments will heal loose and unable to properly support the ankle. Not only will sprains occur frequently, but the stress on the ankle can also shift to the knee joint, accelerating the onset of osteoarthritis. If you sprain your ankle two to three times in a short period, it's recommended to seek medical attention.

◇If you sit for long periods of time… Beware of 'chondromalacia'

 

  Chondromalacia patellae is a disease in which the patellar cartilage, which reduces friction when bending and straightening the knee, slips outward, causing abnormal friction with every movement, damaging the cartilage. According to 2021 data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, approximately 37% of the total medical expenses for the treatment of chondromalacia patellae were paid to patients in their 20s and 30s. Chondromalacia patellae is particularly common in office workers who sit in a chair for long periods of time. There are two reasons. First, the sitting posture itself is problematic. If the knees are bent at 90 degrees, the cartilage continues to rub against the kneecap, causing damage. Therefore, it is best to keep your knees straight when sitting.

 

The other is low activity level. If you sit in a chair all day, you are likely to be low in activity level, which also weakens your joints and cartilage. If you suddenly increase your activity level in this state, the extent of damage to the cartilage may exceed its ability to recover, which can lead to chondromalacia. When doing this, you should straighten your knees as much as possible. In addition, if you sit for a long time and do not exercise enough,

 

◇Beware of 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome' with your hands glued to the keyboard.

 

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is another chronic problem for office workers. Surveys show that one in four office workers suffer from CTS. CTS narrows the carpal tunnel, the nerve pathway inside the wrist, and the nerves within it become compressed, causing pain. Initially, the wrist and fingers may feel uncomfortable.

 

As symptoms worsen, everyday tasks like buttoning a button or using chopsticks become difficult. Similar conditions can also develop in the elbows. It's crucial to rest after overuse of the wrist and arm. It's also helpful to stretch your wrist up and down periodically during work.

 

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Joints are used a lot,

It can be ruined by wrong thoughts.

 

Although taking care of yourself in advance is good for your health,

The joints that can't be used are really tough.

 

Shoulders, knees... ankles, wrists

Stretching from time to time and taking a steam bath in the evening are also good.