Keep This Hardworking Joint In A Good Condition

Better late than never: find out how you can save your knees and lead an active lifestyle that’s free of joint pain.

- Amanda Soh

We depend heavily on our legs to do many of the things that we take for granted, like sitting down and getting up. In fact, every time you walk down the stairs, your knee takes about five times your weight. Just like any tool, the more you use your knees, the more worn out they get – and the higher your risk of degenerative bone diseases.

Look for signs

Having trouble sitting down or getting up from the toilet seat, entering and exiting a low car, and walking up and down the stairs are all signs of osteoarthritis, along with the progressive shortening of your joints. Dr Douglas Yuen, aesthetic physician at Nexus Clinic, explains: “The early signs and symptoms are mild tenderness at the particular joint area, which comes with a little bit of rigidness and swelling.” Dr Jasmine Ruth, aesthetic physician and clinical director of Nexus Clinic, adds that there is also usually pain upon exertion and while performing a certain movement, as well as reduced flexibility. “Go see a doctor and treat it early! The moment it passes level two or three, you’re looking at a lifetime of pain management or total knee replacement surgery,” Dr Jasmine stresses.

Know the causes