[Health Tip] 'Running' as a New Culture for 2030... Take Care of Your Knee Health

Beware of 'Seulgyaegol Yeongol Yeonhwajeung'
Common in Young People Due to Diet, High Heels, etc.

Seek Treatment if Knee Makes 'Ttukttuk' Sounds or Feels Stiff

[Image source=Pixabay]

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] Recently, running has been gaining attention among young people. Beyond simple jogging, it has become a culture where people measure and share their records to compete, form 'crews,' and regularly meet to run together.

Running is a full-body exercise that develops muscles in both the upper and lower body. However, each step puts considerable strain on the knees and ankles, so caution is necessary. Exercising excessively without considering one's physical condition can lead to injuries.

A common injury during running is patellofemoral chondromalacia. The patella refers to the dish-shaped concave bone located at the front of the knee joint. It is triangular like a chestnut and firmly covers the knee joint, also called the kneecap. The patella is positioned at the front of the knee to protect the joint. The inside of the patella is made up of cartilage. Patellofemoral chondromalacia occurs when this cartilage softens and weakens.

Patellofemoral chondromalacia can occur when abnormal pressure is repeatedly applied to the patellar cartilage due to excessive exercise. Excessive dieting and prolonged wearing of high heels are also major causes. Unlike other cartilage diseases that mostly affect middle-aged and older adults, this condition is common among people in their 20s and 30s. Dr. Gunwoo Park, an orthopedic surgeon at Gangnam Bedro Hospital, warned, “Cartilage is a tissue that does not regenerate once damaged. If patellofemoral chondromalacia is not treated promptly, it can lead to degenerative arthritis where the cartilage is completely worn away.”

When symptoms of patellofemoral chondromalacia begin to appear, a persistent feeling of something catching in the knee occurs. A 'clicking' sound may be heard when bending the knee, and the front of the knee becomes cold and painful. Especially if pain worsens and stiffness occurs when sitting down and standing up, it is necessary to visit a nearby orthopedic clinic for diagnosis.

Park Geon-woo, Head of Orthopedics at Gangnam Bedro Hospital (Photo by Gangnam Bedro Hospital)

In the early stages of symptoms, conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and exercise rehabilitation can be attempted. However, if symptoms become chronic, surgical treatment may be considered. A small hole less than 1 cm is made near the knee, and a 3 mm diameter arthroscope equipped with a special lens and a miniature camera is inserted toward the knee cartilage. This allows direct inspection of the inside of the knee, removal of the damaged cartilage, and smoothing of the patellar joint surface.

Dr. Park advised, “If the muscles in the front of the thigh are fatigued, patellar friction worsens, so it is important to stretch the thighs thoroughly before running. When running, keep your gaze fixed forward, maintain an upright upper body perpendicular to the ground, and wear shock-absorbing running shoes.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.