How can I protect my knee joints from overloading?
August 7, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Helma Krause
Dear orthopedist,
My name is Katja Seebauer and I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing problems with my knee joints for some time now. I work in an office job, so I sit at a desk all day. In my free time, I enjoy participating in sports, especially jogging and cycling. However, recently I have noticed that my knees hurt after physical activities and they also often crack during daily movements.
I am concerned that my knee joints are being overworked and could potentially suffer long-term damage. Therefore, I would like to know what measures I can take to protect my knee joints from further strain. Are there specific exercises I can do to strengthen my knees? Should I avoid certain sports to relieve pressure on my knees? Are there any orthopedic aids that could help me?
I would appreciate it if you could provide me with some tips and recommendations on how to protect and maintain the long-term health of my knee joints. Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Katja Seebauer
Dear Mrs. Seebauer,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding your knee problems. It is important that you take care of your knee joints, as they play a crucial role in your daily life and also in sports. It is good that you are thinking early on about possible measures to prevent further damage.
First of all, it is advisable to take a look at your sporting activities. Running and cycling are great sports, but they put strain on the knee joints due to the constant impact movements. Therefore, it might be useful for you to adjust your sports plan and switch to sports such as swimming or yoga, which put less strain on the knee joints. Incorporating regular breaks into your sports routine can also help to relieve the knees.
Furthermore, specific exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee can help support and stabilize the joints. These include exercises such as squats, lunges, or training on a balance board. A physiotherapist can assist you in creating an individual training program tailored to your needs.
It may also be beneficial for you to consider orthopedic aids such as knee braces or special insoles for your shoes. These can help reduce the strain on the knee joints and relieve them. However, it is important to seek advice from a specialist to ensure that the aids are suitable for your specific issues.
Additionally, it is important to maintain a healthy body weight, as excess weight can add extra pressure on the knee joints. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help with this.
I hope these tips will help you protect your knee joints and keep them healthy in the long term. If the symptoms persist or worsen, I recommend seeking a specialist to receive a precise diagnosis and further treatment options.
Best regards,
Helma Krause, Orthopedic Specialist
