A joint in the human body is the place where two or more bones meet to enable movement. They bind the skeleton and provide structure. They allow muscles and bones to move to perform activities like running, bending, reaching, grasping, stretching, etc. Ball and socket, hinge, saddle, pivot, condyloid, and gliding are the freely movable joints.

The knee is a modified hinge joint that connects the thigh and the shin bone. The knee joint also consists of the fibula and the kneecap. It is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body.

Joint bones are covered with cartilage to absorb stress and shock. Tendons connect the knee bones to the leg muscles. The bones are held together by tissues called ligaments that provide stability. Muscles power the knee bones and the leg to move.

The knee joint offers support during activities like walking, running, sitting, kneeling, and standing.

How can you strengthen your knees? 

  1. Exercise: Regular leg exercises like straight leg raise, side leg raise, hamstring curl, wall squat, calf raise, step-up, and leg press help build muscles.
  2. Food: Fatty acids like Omega -3 and fish oils, colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, seeds and nuts, lentils, beans, and garlic are foods that help increase mobility.
  3. Water: Drinking plenty of water to help lubricate the knee joints.

Treat knee pain

What are the symptoms of knee pain?  

  1. Warmth/redness
  2. Swollen/stiff
  3. Shaking/unstable/weak
  4. Popping noise

Knee pain is not caused only by injury. It can be caused by: 

  1. Tendinitis – the swelling and pain caused due to jumping, running, and walking.
  2. Bursitis – caused due to repeated pressure on the joint, using the wrong posture while sitting/standing for a long time.
  3. Osteoarthritis – usually connected with aging due to wear and tear. However, it also occurs in overweight younger people.
  4. Rheumatoid arthritis – occurs when the membrane surrounding the knee joint faces attack by the immune system resulting in inflammation that damages the bone.
  5. Baker’s cyst – caused by cartilage tea, producing excessive fluid.

Ligament tear, dislocated knee, sudden jerky movements causing kneecap dislocation, etc., are also causes of knee pain.

Here are the different treatment methods for knee pain:

  • Non-surgical: Rest, ice, compression, and elevation are the best non-surgical treatments for an injured knee. Weight loss helps a lot. The application of pain relief balm/gel comes in handy.
    • Non-invasive:Doctors first recommend non-intrusive treatments to manage pain using joint support/compression products, supplements, and assistive tools, manufactured by healthcare companies like Dr. Arthritis. Wear a knee brace, sleeve, or knee support to manage symptoms of knee pain. They provide additional support to your knee while you go about your routine activities. They help in reducing inflammation and swelling.
  • Surgery: It is always the last option. It is a procedure that uses metal and plastic parts to replace the damaged knee. It is also called Arthroscopy, and it helps treat a wide range of chronic knee problems.

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