We provide this free health resource to visitors of the Community Room of SeniorSSuperStoreS in an effort to keep baby boomers, seniors and the elderly informed of matters that can affect their lifestyle.

Our knees are two of the largest and most complex joints in the body, and they allow us to perform many motions and activities. Because we rely on our knees for so many things, they are at a high risk for pain and injury if we don’t properly take care of them.

The knee consists of the kneecap (patella) and the upper and lower bones of the leg (femur and tibia). There are many cartilages, ligaments and muscles which contribute to the smooth operation of the knee. When any of these supporting elements are damaged or injured, it can seriously affect the condition of your knee.

The cartilage in the knee, between the femur and tibia, functions as a "shock absorber" and can be torn as the result of a twist or injury to the knee. Ligaments bind the joint together and provide stability. The knee can rotate slightly, but it basically moves in a "hinge-like" motion of extension and flexion.

The strength of the muscles in the leg also affects the knee. The quadriceps (muscles in front of the thigh) straighten the knee, and the hamstrings (muscles in the back of the thigh) bend the knee. These muscles are important in providing strength and stability to the knee, especially when it is in motion. It is important to keep all of these muscles in good, strong condition in order to support the knee and its functions. A healthy knee has bones which move smoothly on the cartilages and is well-aligned, strong and stable because of supporting ligaments, tendons and muscles.

Because so much support is needed for the knee to function properly, it is not uncommon to suffer from various knee problems. Torn or sprained ligaments, bone fractures, dislocated kneecap and damaged cartilage are a few of the possible injuries to the knee. Pain, swelling, locking, "giving way" or stiffness of the knee may be a sign of knee problems.

Pain in the knee can vary from a vague, recurring pain to a sudden, sharp pain following an injury. Swelling usually occurs following an injury and may be caused by bleeding inside the joint. If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. Knee problems can become worse if the condition is not taken care of quickly.

Depending upon the degree of injury to the knee, your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist for treatment. Physical therapy treatment of knee problems may involve an exercise program to strengthen the knee and surrounding muscles, whirlpool treatments, ice or heat, or electrical muscle stimulation.

Exercise is the most effective method for maintaining or restoring healthy knees. Even if you do not have problem knees, it is important to keep your body in shape with strong conditioned muscles to protect and support the joints and help avoid injuries while participating in various activities.

Following are some exercise suggestions to help your knees stay healthy. If you have problem knees or are recovering from a knee injury, be sure to get your doctor or physical therapist’s approval before doing any exercises.
* Walking (either on an indoor or outdoor track or a treadmill)
* Riding a stationary bicycle
* Leg exercises either with or without weights (leg lifts, leg extensions, hamstring curls, etc.)
* Isometric Exercises.

A physical therapist or fitness professional can instruct you on the proper way to perform these exercises. It is important that you perform exercises correctly and do not overwork yourself to ensure that you are strengthening the knees, not damaging them. Physical therapists can recommend appropriate walking speed and distance and help you to properly adjust the bicycle seat to protect your knees from too much bending or straightening.

Knees are important in virtually every activity you do, so start taking care of them now so you can continue enjoying your favorite activities for many years to come.

(Courtesy of David Vaughn at Vaughn, Buchanan Shelley and Associates, Physical Therapists, in Greenville, South Carolina, phone 864-234-5842.)

If you suffer from knee problems yet you still want to maintain an active lifestyle, you may want to check out our variety of knee support products (including the Bauerfend Zeuba Knee Support and the Prostyle Hinged and stabilized Knee Braces) in our Support Products department.