The knees play several crucial roles in walking, running, jumping and even standing still. Every joint in the body has specific functions. One such function that applies to the knee joint is as a shock absorber. More weight adds more stress to these important joints.
The kinetics involved in moving the human body result in significant forces being applied to joints and other supporting structures. Your ligaments, muscles, tendons, bones and cartilage all work together to absorb those forces. When any part of the joint is compromised, it results in knee injuries and wear-and-tear.
Load-Bearing Joints
Load or weight-bearing joints are so named because they are tasked with holding the weight of the body and absorbing the greatest amount of force. There are several factors that can impact the ability of the knees to provide effective support. Age, genetics, injuries, diet and lifestyle are all common causes of conditions of the knees.
If you play sports or engage in strenuous activities at work, you are more likely to suffer from early-onset wear-and-tear in the joints. The knees are especially susceptible to deterioration due to their role as joints that bear the most weight-load in these activities.
Knee Health Consultation
When you get a lot of mileage out of a vehicle, it makes sense to have that vehicle serviced regularly. The human body is similar in that those who are more active should attend regular health checkups. Symptoms of knee conditions can progress slowly, which often results in sufferers putting off seeking medical advice. However, any persistent knee problem warrants investigation.
Pain, swelling, stiffness and instability are common signs of potentially serious knee conditions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to Dr. Steve Struhl at his NYC Orthopedic Surgeon offices. We can book your first consultation today.
