[KoK! Health] Hopping into the Year of the Rabbit... Let's Take Care of Joint Health

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Chun-hee] This year, as the COVID-19 pandemic enters its final stages, various outdoor activities such as travel and sports are expected to increase. If activities that had decreased resume, it may put strain on the joints. Special caution is needed because damage to ligaments or cartilage can make full recovery difficult.

The most common joint disease is osteoarthritis. The cartilage surrounding the joint wears down, inflammation occurs around the joint, causing pain and deformity. It can occur in the spine, hip joints, and finger joints, and when it occurs in the spine, it is sometimes mistaken for a herniated disc. When it occurs in the hip joint, pain and an awkward gait can cause difficulties in daily life.

Osteoarthritis is often called degenerative arthritis, but it is not caused solely by aging. Family history, obesity, trauma, and inflammation are causes, and the number of young patients due to excessive joint use and sports-related injuries is increasing. According to the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, the number of patients with degenerative joint disease has increased every year, exceeding 4.04 million in 2019, but decreased to 3.82 million in 2020 and 3.99 million in 2021. However, this appears to be due to fewer patients visiting hospitals amid the COVID-19 impact and reduced outdoor activities leading to fewer joint injuries.

Degenerative arthritis symptoms can be improved and further deterioration prevented through conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and exercise. However, if the cartilage is severely damaged, artificial joint surgery may be performed. Orthopedic specialist Lee Yong-jun of H Plus Yangji Hospital advised, “Patients with degenerative arthritis should avoid movements that put weight on bent knees, such as squatting or sitting cross-legged, and avoid lifting heavy loads. Being overweight worsens the condition, so proper weight management is necessary.”

For joint health, healthy eating habits and regular exercise are most important. It is recommended to practice smoking cessation and moderate drinking, eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, perform aerobic exercise for 30 minutes at least 4 times a week, and engage in strength training suitable for oneself to protect bones and joints.

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