Watch: [Understanding Your Body] Knees

⭐English subtitles available⭐

 

 

 

The knee is one of the most frequently used joints daily, 
playing a crucial role when sitting, standing, walking, and running. 

 

Of all the joints in our body, the knee bears the largest and strongest load.

 

Even when walking on flat ground, the knee supports up to five times our body weight.

 

How does the knee withstand such a significant load?

 

The secret lies in the complex and intertwined structure of the knee.

 

The knee consists of the patella, a small shield-shaped bone at the front, 
the femur, a thick thigh bone, and the tibia, known as the shin bone.

 

Notably, the patella protects the knee while connecting the thigh muscles to the shin bone.
Attached to this patella are the quadriceps tendon above and the patella tendon below.

 

The other knee bones are held together by collateral ligaments and cruciate ligaments.

 

The collateral ligaments literally hold the knee tight from sideways to prevent lateral knee movement.

 

As for the cruciate ligaments inside the knee joint,
the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments form an X-shape by crossing each other.

 

The anterior cruciate ligament prevents the thigh bone from moving forward, 
while the posterior cruciate ligament prevents the shin bone from moving backward.

 

The ligaments of the knee are intricately intertwined, so if even one ligament is slightly injured, 
the others share the load to ensure the knee remains stable and moves effectively.

 

There are also unique additional structures hidden in the knee joint to prevent its damage.
Cartilage and synovial fluid.

 

Cartilage is the crescent-shaped, soft tissue between the thigh bone and shin bone, 
acting like a cushion to absorb shock and reduce friction between knee joints.

 

There is also synovial fluid, a liquid component within the joint 
that nourishes the joint and reduces friction when the knee bones move.

 

Common knee health issues include arthritis and ligament tears.

 

Moreover, with the recent increase in the elderly population and those enjoying leisure sports, 
red flags have been raised for knee health.

 

Typical types of knee arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Knee arthritis is accompanied by pain, and engaging in light exercise is beneficial. 
Appropriate measures should be taken based on the underlying cause of the condition.

 

Cartilage or ligament damage often results from excessive exercise or trauma.

 

In these cases, medication, along with the use of supports or surgery, may be necessary.

 

The knee joint is supported by surrounding ligaments and muscles.

 

Therefore, it is best to avoid excessive bending or extending of the knee joint in daily activities, 
such as kneeling, sitting cross-legged, or squatting.

 

Additionally, being overweight puts significant strain on the knees, so managing your weight under control is helpful,
and regular strength training exercises can improve knee function.