3 common knee problems [and how to avoid them]

This report found out that 25% of adults are affected by frequent knee pain. What did the 75% do different? Should we attribute knee problems to external factors we don’t have control over -like genetics and age – or are there things we can do to avoid being part of the statistics? Obesity aside, overuse is the second-largest culprit behind knee pain. Our knees have a pre-defined “utility-life”. Every time we overuse them, this time is cut short: That’s the sad truth. Here are the three knee problems that see patients collectively spend excesses of $500 million (in the US alone) every year at the doctor’s office.

1.Torn cartilages

Fun fact: Did you know that the knee is the largest joint in the body?

Cartilages are the C-shaped rubbery slippery tissues forming the meniscus that cover the knees. They protect the knees from wear and tear. They’re designed to cushion the knee as you walk straight. Twisting the knee at extreme angles will see this meniscus tear: A painful and debilitating (weakening) condition. Torn cartilages are common in contact sports like football – and this is why you see every lineman with a knee sleeve

2.Arthritis 

In the words of David Mamet, “Old age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance” but the knees certainly won’t. With age, you will start to notice dull aches and a burning sensation even after light routines – like going up the stairs, or after sending a few hours gardening. Arthritis occurs when the shock-absorbing cartilage wears put and doesn’t effectively cushion the knee joint. There’s no cure for arthritis but the pain is manageable through medication.

3.Tendonitis

Simply put, Patellar tendonitis is the inflammation of the knee-tendon – a thick strong cord that connects the shinbone (tibia) to the knee cap (patella). Anyone can get a sore tendon but basketball and volleyball players get it most. In fact, they refer to it as jumper’s knee  (and 50% of elite volleyball players have it)

What can you do to keep your knees pain-free?

1.Pick your sports and hobbies well

Rowing, skiing, swimming and cycling sports are easy on the knee. Contact sports, on the other hand, aren’t. High impact sports encouraging twisting the knee, and you risk getting a torn cartilage.

2.Put ice on sore joints

It’s simple, free and works. Place an ice pack on the sore joint for 10 minutes. If the pain doesn’t go away in 48 hours, pay the doctor a visit

3.Consider using a knee sleeve 

Anyone can go up a hill jogging when fresh but the knees get fatigued quickly. Knee sleeves support the knee ensuring that it's aligned. It’s not just about the knee. With the knee supported (and in the right form) everything connected to it – the hips, the ankles, and the shinbone – are aligned too. Knee sleeves prevent injuries too. Why do we warm-up for a few minutes before taking part in sports? Our latex and spandex fiber knee sleeves compress the knee for better blood flow. Ensuring that you don’t get sore after pushing past your genetic limits.

Have you ever faced a knee problem and how did you cope with it?