Arthritis usually occurs in middle-aged people after their 40s. However, young people in their 20s and 30s are not exempt. If you overwork your body because you're young or exercise excessively without proper preparation, the cartilage in your joints can wear out quickly.

Neglecting sprains leads to 'ankle instability'

Ankle instability occurs most frequently in people in their 20s. This is because they tend to be more active compared to other age groups. According to data from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, approximately 33% of the total medical expenses for treating ankle sprains and strains were paid for patients in their 20s and 30s. The main cause of ankle instability is neglecting sprains. Ligaments stretched by sprains take 4 to 6 weeks to fully recover. However, if swelling and pain disappear and activity resumes as before, the ligaments may heal in a loosened state, making it difficult to properly support the ankle. Repeated sprains are common, and the increased load on the ankle can transfer to the knee joint, potentially accelerating the onset of degenerative arthritis. If you have sprained your ankle 2 or 3 times in a short period, it is advisable to seek medical treatment.

◇If you sit for a long time... Be careful of 'chondromalacia'

Chondromalacia is a condition where the kneecap cartilage, which reduces friction when bending and straightening the knee, slips outwards, causing abnormal friction during movement and resulting in cartilage damage. According to data from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service in 2021, approximately 37% of the total medical expenses for treating knee cartilage softening were paid by patients in their 20s and 30s. Chondromalacia particularly affects office workers who sit for long periods. There are two reasons for this. First, the sitting posture itself is problematic. When the knees are bent at a 90-degree angle, the cartilage continues to rub against the kneecap, leading to damage. Therefore, it is advisable to keep the knees extended as much as possible while sitting.

The other factor is low activity level. Sitting in a chair all day is likely to result in low activity, which also weakens the joints and cartilage. In this state, suddenly increasing activity can cause cartilage damage that exceeds the body's ability to recover, leading to cartilage softening. Whenever possible, the knees should be kept straight. Additionally, prolonged sitting and lack of exercise can contribute to this condition.

◇ Hands fixed on the keyboard, beware of 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome'

Wrist tunnel syndrome is also a chronic condition among office workers. There is survey data indicating that one in four office workers suffers from wrist tunnel syndrome. When affected by wrist tunnel syndrome, the carpal tunnel, which is the nerve passage inside the wrist, narrows, compressing the nerves within and causing pain. In the early stages, there is discomfort in the wrist and fingers.

If symptoms worsen, it becomes difficult to perform everyday actions such as buttoning or using chopsticks. A similar condition can also occur in the elbows. After excessive use of the wrists and arms, rest must be taken. It is also good to stretch the wrists up and down intermittently while working.

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Joints are used a lot or,

It can be damaged by reckless thoughts.

Managing things in advance is good for health, but

Joints that cannot be avoided are really exhausting, aren't they?

Shoulders, knees... up to ankles and wrists.

Stretching occasionally and applying a hot pack in the evening are also good.