Knee pain is commonly seen in the elderly. However, recently, there has been an increase in young people complaining of knee pain due to strenuous activities such as running and golf. If knee pain persists without a specific reason, one should suspect 'knee cartilage softening.' Learn about the symptoms and prevention methods for knee cartilage softening.

 

◇Cartilage weakens and becomes damaged

 

Joint cartilage acts as a cushion to absorb impact on the bones and helps the bones move smoothly without friction. Knee chondromalacia is a condition where the cartilage, which should be firm, becomes soft or weakened, and it mostly occurs in young adults, especially women. The condition gradually progresses from a stage where there is simply swelling in the cartilage to cracks and damage across the entire thickness of the cartilage.

The main symptoms of knee cartilage softening are a dull ache and a tingling sensation in the front part of the knee joint.

Especially when you have been sitting in one place for a long time and then stand up

▲When going up and down the stairs

 ▲무릎을 꿇거나 쪼그려 앉을 때 통증이 더 심해지고 뻣뻣한 느낌이 든다. 

 

There is a feeling of something catching when moving the knee, and it also makes a clicking sound when bending the knee.

 

◇It could be caused by an excessive diet

 

Knee cartilage softening can occur when the knee is severely impacted or when the knee bones sustain trauma such as fractures or dislocations. However, knee cartilage softening does not necessarily occur only after trauma.

 

It can occur even in cases of structural abnormalities in the knee and thigh joints, and also when the leg is bent outward. It also occurs when there is damage to the meniscus, leading to abnormal movement and stability issues in the kneecap. Additionally, the incidence is high among young people who engage in strenuous exercise or diet control to lose weight with low muscle mass.

 

◇Avoid habits that strain the joints regularly

 

Mild patellofemoral chondromalacia is treated with medication, physical therapy, and rehabilitation exercises. Resting for about 2 to 3 months helps reduce pain and inflammation while strengthening the muscles around the joint. However, if conservative treatments are ineffective and there are abnormalities in the shape or alignment of the patellofemoral joint, surgery may be considered. The surgery involves making a small hole less than 1 cm in size in the knee, then inserting a 3mm diameter arthroscope equipped with a special lens and a tiny camera toward the cartilage area of the knee. This allows direct visualization of the inside of the knee, removal of the damaged cartilage, and smoothing of the patellar joint surface.

 

Knee cartilage softening is most importantly prevented through regular care. It is necessary to avoid lifestyle habits that put strain on the knee joints. Sitting in a squatting position or cross-legged posture puts pressure on the knees and should be avoided. Hiking, climbing stairs, and running can also strain the knees and are not recommended. Instead, walking on flat ground, indoor cycling, and swimming are suggested exercises. Additionally, if the front thigh muscles are fatigued, it can increase patellar friction, so strengthening exercises and stretching for the thigh muscles are beneficial.

 

==================================

 

Usually sitting with legs crossed,

Dad's pose is said to be a very bad posture for the joints.

 

Sometimes my knee makes noises.

It sounds like your cartilage is weakening.