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 mainly occurs in young adults, especially women. The condition progresses gradually from a stage where there is simply swelling in the cartilage, leading to cracks and damage throughout the entire thickness of the cartilage.

The main symptoms of patellofemoral pain syndrome are a dull, aching, and cold sensation in the front part of the knee joint. In particular, the pain worsens and a stiff feeling occurs when ▲ sitting in one place for a long time and then standing up ▲ climbing or descending stairs ▲ kneeling or squatting. Additionally, there is a feeling of something catching when moving the knee, and a clicking sound may occur when bending the knee.

 

◇It could be caused by an excessive diet

 

Knee cartilage softening can occur when the knee is severely hit, fractured, or dislocated, causing trauma to the knee cartilage. However, knee cartilage softening does not necessarily occur only after trauma. It can also develop in cases with structural abnormalities of the knee and thigh joints, and in individuals with bow-legged deformities or meniscal damage that affects knee bone movement and stability. Additionally, young people who engage in strenuous exercise or strict dieting to lose weight, especially when their muscle mass is low, also have a higher incidence of the condition.

 

◇Avoid habits that strain the joints regularly

Mild knee cartilage softening 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 1cm in size on the knee, then inserting a 3mm diameter arthroscope equipped with a special lens and a miniature camera toward the knee cartilage. 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, so these should be avoided.

 

Climbing mountains, going up and down stairs, and running can put strain on 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.

 

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It seems that squats are very good.

These days, we don't spend much time on the floor, as we mostly live at the dining table or on the sofa.

Sitting cross-legged or in a posture that doesn't bend is said to be even worse for the knees.

 

Since cartilage cannot regenerate once damaged

Especially, knee health should be maintained while you are healthy.