Precautions to take to protect knee health

Knee pain, which is very common in our country and becoming increasingly widespread, extremely negatively affects a person's daily life activities and can lead to social withdrawal and isolation over time.

Acıbadem Dr. Şinasi Can Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mirza Zafer Dağtaş said, “Knee pain is a very common health problem in society. Our knees contain structures called menisci that facilitate knee movement, as well as ligaments that provide the knee's strength.

The thigh and shin bones that make up the knee joint, and the cartilage structure that is the main source of pain, cover all surfaces of these bones. Knee pain originates from intra-articular structures. All wear and tear in these structures comes back to us as knee pain.”

Emphasizing that our body has the ability to repair many of the damaged knee structures itself, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dağtaş spoke as follows:

“Damaged menisci, stretched knee ligaments, and even cracks and fractures in the bone have the potential to heal completely. However, the cartilage structure's ability to repair itself is very low.

Modern medicine is also focusing on strengthening this cartilage structure again. The main purpose of drugs that support cartilage formation, intra-articular injections, and stem cell studies is to support the damaged cartilage structure, which the human body has limited capacity to correct.”

'VICIOUS CYCLE' WARNING

Emphasizing that the treatment of cartilage-related pain is a challenging process that requires patience, and that it is almost impossible to achieve great success at once, Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mirza Zafer Dağtaş said, “This is where the concept of the ‘unhappy knee’ comes into play. Those with knee pain consult a physician, easily get a diagnosis, and access treatment.

However, they become unhappy during the challenging process of cartilage disease, which has a low success rate. The social life of an individual with an unhappy, painful knee is also affected. They become unable to perform activities that require travel or simple walking. A person who reduces their movement gains more weight, and this can enter a vicious cycle,” he stated.

'PERSONALIZED TREATMENT PLAN IS ESSENTIAL'

Stating that it is very important to plan knee surgeries in a timely manner, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dağtaş said that all treatment options should be applied step-by-step in consultation with the patient, and that it is important to plan knee surgeries, which are often seen as a last resort, in a timely manner.

Pointing out that significant improvement can be achieved with appropriate treatments for meniscus, ligament, and bone-related knee pain, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dağtaş said, “The failure of previously applied treatments or surgeries not meeting expectations are common characteristics of unhappy knee patients. Belief in treatment has also decreased in these patients.

Because they isolate themselves from social life due to knee pain and even have to postpone routine tasks, they fall into a psychological depression. However, this is not a destiny. Today, significant success can be achieved thanks to personalized treatment planning. The unhappy knee is a disease that can be treated regardless of the stage.”

5 EFFECTIVE WAYS TO PROTECT KNEE HEALTH

Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mirza Zafer Dağtaş stated that one should not delay consulting a physician in case of a possible problem and should start treatment as soon as possible, adding, “Even though it is a challenging process that requires patience, every knee ailment definitely has a treatment; do not lose hope.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dağtaş also listed 5 effective ways to protect knee health as follows:

1) Eat a balanced diet and maintain your ideal weight.

2) Avoid slopes and inclines.

3) Take 40-minute flat walks 3 times a week.

4) Avoid activities that keep your knees bent for long periods.

5) Do not strain your painful knee and push it too hard.