Knee pain
In Germany, one in eight is affected. You too?
With every step, every leg movement and even when resting – the knee joint is under varying strain every day that can often amount to several times a person’s body weight.
Knee pain is always a warning. The knee is one of the body’s joints most prone to injuries. Despite its size, it’s very vulnerable. That is why knee pain should always be taken seriously, because very frequently, long-term effects occur that can result in severe and persisting problems.
So get active today! Support your knee to prevent pain.
Well informed about knee pain
The knee joint
Strong yet very vulnerable
As the largest joint in the human body, the knee has many important tasks. It makes sure that you walk or run smoothly. It also provides you with stability to stand securely. We only really notice the extent to which the knee joint is involved in everyday movements when pain occurs that restricts these movements.
The knee is what is known as a rotating hinge joint. It allows movement in two directions: flexion or extension of the leg but also the option of turning the lower leg slightly outwards or inwards when the leg is bent. The structure of the knee joint is highly complex to fulfil its many tasks, which means it is very vulnerable and prone to injuries.
Structure
Three bones join in the knee: the two longest bones of the human body, the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia), as well as the kneecap (patella).
Where the femur and tibia meet, they have cylindrical joint bodies covered with cartilage. These allow the low-friction rolling-gliding motion of the knee joint, and therefore a smooth gait. Based on its bony structure, the knee itself is very unstable. It is therefore secured with tendons, ligaments, muscles and cartilage structures. This provides the joint with the required stability in all directions and enables upright standing and walking.
- Kneecap (patella)
The kneecap protects the front of the knee joint. Similar to a pulley,
it is also responsible for the thigh muscles’ ideal transmission of forces to the lower leg, making bending and extending of the leg easier.
- Menisci
Because the femur’s and tibia’s joint bodies do not directly fit into each other, cartilage structures, the menisci, lie between them. On the one hand, the menisci (medial and lateral menisci) extend the contact area of the two joint surfaces. On the other hand, they function as shock absorbers. The fibrous cartilage disks can cushion severe impact, compensate for heavy loads on the knee joint and evenly distribute the strain of weight. They provide additional protection to the joint surfaces.
- Ligaments and tendons
In addition to the menisci, the knee is protected by complex and firm ligament structures. Together with tendons, they are responsible for the exact guidance of the knee joint and stabilise it in combination with the muscles.
- Cruciate ligaments
The cruciate ligaments, on the inside of the joint, are particularly
important for the stabilisation of the knee joint. They stop the femur
and tibia from shifting forwards or backwards.
- Collateral ligaments
in order to prevent movement in a sideways direction, the knee joint is stabilised by the medial and lateral collateral ligaments.
- Patellar tendon
The patellar tendon links the lower leg with the kneecap and ensures that it is guided precisely. The patellar tendon connects the large anterior thigh muscles with the tibia via the kneecap.
Injuries and disorders
Are you affected by knee pain?
About 10 million people in Germany regularly suffer from knee pain.
This pain has many causes. Triggers can be injuries, accidents or inflammation in the joint. Inappropriate or excessive strain can also quickly lead to problems. Externally, swelling, reddening or bruising make them obvious. Dragging or stabbing pain is sometimes felt with every step.
If you have persistent knee pain, you should consult a doctor to diagnose and treat the root cause early.
To provide you with initial guidance, we have summarised three possible conditions.
Osteoarthritis of the knee
Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the most common disorders of the knee. It refers to wear and tear of the joint cartilages between the thigh bone, kneecap and lower leg bone. These form a smooth surface and reduce friction when the knee joint moves. Pain usually initially occurs when using the stairs or in wet and cold weather.
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
It’s often impossible to precisely identity what causes patellofemoral pain syndrome. Pain usually occurs behind the kneecap, but it can also radiate to the surrounding areas.
Patella tip syndrome
Patella tip syndrome is an irritation of the patellar tendon at the lower insertion of the kneecap, usually caused by excessive strain. In the beginning, pain typically doesn’t occur during strain but after. The painful area is right underneath the kneecap and is very sensitive to pressure.
Tips for everyday life
In order to keep your knee joints healthy and 100 % usable in the long term, you should bear a few important things in mind during everyday life.
Regular exercise
Healthy legs with strong, stretched muscles, ligaments and fasciae are less prone to pain. Regularly train the co-ordination of your legs and your leg muscles with sports that are gentle on the knees.
Movement vs strain
Movement is important for a healthy knee joint. Make sure, however, that your movements are gentle. Avoid excessive and, in particular, constant strain.
Carrying heavy loads
Do not carry heavy loads on one side only and ensure your carrying method is gentle on your knees, by using a backpack, for example.
Appropriate shoes
Shoes have a significant impact on healthy knees. Your shoes should therefore have cushioning soles. Women should also make sure they don’t wear high heels too often and alternate with flat shoes, if possible.
A healthy diet
A healthy diet is absolutely essential. Every additional pound also puts extra strain on your knees. Make sure your dietary fibre intake is sufficient and cut down on sugar and fat as much as possible.
Support for your knee
Knee supports
Knee pain can be prolonged and severely restrict your everyday activities. A knee support strengthens the strained or injured knee joint.
Versatile use
Knee supports are used in the event of sprains, contusions, following surgery or in case of misalignments. They support and relieve the joint, provide a secure hold and guide the knee joint and kneecap. In addition, the even compression (class 2) is beneficial and has a therapeutic effect against the pain. For existing osteoarthritis, knee supports such as the JuzoFlex Genu Xtra can provide ideal help and reduce pain from movement during daily tasks or exercise.
Pain in the knee joint often tempts people to rest and or immobilise it. In many cases, however, movement is important to promote healing of the knee. Activity improves circulation in the joint, which helps supplying the cartilage with nutrients. Knee supports can increase this effect. A patella ring, as integrated in the JuzoFlex Genu Xtra, ensures that the kneecap is guided and that the fluid which causes swelling is massaged, draining it from the surrounding tissue.
When a lot of force is applied to the knee joint, such as during some sports, preventatively wearing a support can avoid pain and counteract the progression of existing damage.
For people with strong thighs, e.g. athletes or patients with softer connective tissue, a knee support such as the JuzoFlex Genu Xtra-Wide is the best choice. Its thigh area is particularly wide and therefore doesn’t pinch, even with larger circumferences. An additional silicone border extends the support and prevents slipping.
