The doctor explains why it is necessary to pay attention to the instability of this joint
Feeling of a loose knee, feeling like it has moved out of place or stopped working. This is generally how people describe knee ligament instability. This is a very common problem. However, as stability is quickly regained, few pay due attention to the situation, which could be a sign of serious problems.
“These ligaments are responsible for maintaining stability between the femur and the tibia and also the patella, a bone located in the front part of the knee, as well as helping with the appropriate movement of the region, i.e. with correct biomechanics. Therefore, when these structures are damaged, the knee loses stability,” explains Dr. Marcos Cortelazo, orthopedic knee and sports traumatology specialist, member of the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology (SBOT).
Causes of knee instability
The doctor explains that knee instability is rarely an isolated situation, being caused by serious conditions affecting the region. “Among the most common causes of knee instability are injuries to the meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament, which are recurrent in those who practice physical activity”, he specifies.
“In the elderly, however, the main cause of knee laxity is arthrosis, a degenerative joint disease that affects the cartilage of the joints and causes bone alterations, causing pain, deformity and difficulty in moving the joint”, adds the doctor .
Consequences of this knee problem
The expert explains that the knee instability It can increase the risk of falls and, consequently, sprains and fractures. “Due to ‘loose knees’, many patients are afraid to walk and perform other physical exercises for fear that their knees will buckle during practice, becoming sedentary and therefore more susceptible to weight gain, which is also harmful to the knee health,” he explains.
Treatments for knee instability
When you feel your knee shift out of position, it’s important not to ignore the sensation. “If you notice instability in the region, stop exercising and seek out an orthopedist, who can perform an evaluation and request tests to define the exact cause of the problem,” explains Dr. Marcos Cortelazo.
According to the specialist, to resolve knee instability it is necessary to treat the source of the problem. Therefore, treatment may vary depending on the diagnosis. “Physiotherapy sessionsdepending on the severity of the disease, the use of orthoses, oral and injectable medications and even surgery may be indicated,” he says.
Prevent the problem in this municipality
To avoid knee failure, it is important to take measures that benefit the health of the entire region, including weight control and practicing physical activity, especially muscle strengthening exercises.
“Because the knee depends on the action of a wide variety of muscles to function properly, muscle-strengthening exercises can improve joint function From the region. Furthermore, they also help maintain stability during movement and reduce the load on the joint. So, the stronger your muscles, the more protected your joints will be,” adds Dr. Marcos Cortelazo.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
