Taking Care of Your Knee Joints: Tips for the Elderly

February 14, 2024

As people age, they are more prone to problems such as arthritis, rheumatism, and osteoporosis. This is a normal phenomenon and a manifestation of bodily degeneration. The knee joint is the most vulnerable part for elderly people. So, how can they take care of their knee joints in their daily lives? Let me tell you.


Do not sit for long periods of time

Sitting for long periods of time keeps the knee joint in a bent position, which hinders blood circulation in the lower limbs and can lead to swelling. For middle-aged and elderly people with osteoarthritis, prolonged sitting can aggravate the condition, worsen synovitis, and stiffen the knee joint. Therefore, it is recommended to not sit for more than 1 hour at a time, and it is best to get up and move around after 45 minutes of sitting.

Avoid deep squats

Deep squats can cause wear and tear of the joint cartilage. During deep squats, the degree of wear and tear on the knee joint is much more severe than when walking on flat ground. Additionally, deep squats can compress and damage the posterior horn of the medial meniscus due to the poor mobility of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus. Therefore, long-term deep squat exercises are not recommended.

Exercise moderately

The knee joint undergoes degenerative changes as a natural process, but completely stopping exercise is a mistake. Lack of exercise in the elderly can lead to osteoporosis and a lack of agility and coordination, making them more prone to falls and serious fractures. Reasonable exercise can effectively reduce the incidence of knee arthritis in the elderly, improve muscle elasticity, and reduce pain.

Wear soft shoes

Shoes should be softer, with less rigid soles, to provide protection for the knees while walking.

The degeneration of various organs in the elderly is normal, and their body's resistance is weaker. However, it is precisely because of this that they need to understand how to protect their bodies and avoid overexertion. I hope the above summary by the editor can be helpful to everyone.

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