The knee, a weight-bearing joint, shoulders the entire load of our body, making its care and maintenance paramount. But how do we take care of this vital joint? Dr. Vikram Mhaskar, India’s top orthopaedic specialist gives us invaluable insights into how to fortify knees against the ravages of age and strains of life.
Q: How does one take care of their knees, and what are the common signs that knees might be developing a problem?
A: Proper knee care involves understanding the weight-bearing nature of these joints. Managing weight is crucial; maintaining control helps minimise stress, ultimately enhancing the joint’s longevity. Additionally, strengthening the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps, contributes significantly to improving knee capacity and coping mechanisms.
It’s similar to ensuring a car’s engine is robust even if the frame or tires may not be in top condition. Strengthening the muscles serves as a supportive measure, allowing the knees to adapt better to various challenges. Another key aspect is recognizing potential problems. Pain or discomfort, exhaustion, and other signs should not be ignored. Being proactive, educating oneself about these signals, and seeking specialized advice from a doctor are essential steps.
What are the common early signs of knee problems?
Pain: We should always listen to our body. Pain is considered the language of movement. Ignoring persistent pain may lead to further complications.
Swelling: Swelling, especially after an injury, could indicate issues in the knee. Gradual and increasing swelling should be recognized promptly.
Loss of function: If activities become challenging due to a notable reduction in walking or working capacity, it signifies potential knee problems.
Alignment changes: Observable alterations in the knee’s shape over time may suggest degeneration or an ageing process.
Q: Many doctors use a small hammer on the knee. Could you explain why they use it specifically on the knee?
A: The use of a small hammer on the knee is similar to an electrician’s tool, and serves a diagnostic purpose. Much like a screwdriver with a light used to check a plug point, the knee hammer assesses the sensory and motor nerves in the body. Nerves act as electrical lines, supplying impulses to muscles. By tapping specific areas, doctors evaluate reflexes, testing whether motor nerves initiate the expected movement. It’s a way of understanding the body’s responsiveness and the health of the nerve-muscle connection.
Q: Is taking stairs beneficial for the knees? What is your opinion on activities like hiking and trekking?
A: Being active is great. Engaging in activities like climbing stairs, hiking, and trekking can be highly beneficial for knee health. Contrary to the misconception that these activities might be detrimental, they contribute positively. Climbing stairs activates the quadriceps muscles, essential friends of the knees, providing necessary support. Strengthening these muscles is comparable to fortifying the cabinet of a Prime Minister, allowing the knees to handle stress more effectively. However, it’s crucial to listen to your body; persistent pain during such activities should not be ignored, and consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.
Q: Is weight loss a crucial factor for overall joint health?
A: While the term “weight loss” may be misleading, maintaining an optimal body mass index (BMI) is indeed vital for joint health. The BMI, calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared, should ideally fall between 18 to 24.99. Excess weight places additional stress on weight-bearing joints, including the knees. More importantly, focusing on muscle strengthening alongside weight control is key to providing adequate support to the body’s structure.
Q: In recent years, have you observed any trends in bone health? What is your general perspective?
A: There is a very concerning trend in bone health, particularly among children, the elderly, and women. Modern lifestyles, marked by increased sedentary behavior, reduced outdoor activities, and limited exposure to sunlight, contribute to weakened bones and a higher risk of fractures. The importance of outdoor activities, physical exercise, and sunlight exposure cannot be overstated. Ensuring an active lifestyle, especially during childhood, is crucial for building strong bones and preventing issues like osteoporosis later in life.
