Keep Knee Trouble at Bay

Which habits hurt knees & what to do

- FE FEATURES

MANY OF US spend the day bound to our desks, with little physical exercise. How does a sedentary life affect knees, especially those over 40? Dr Raju Vaishya, senior consultant, orthopedics, joint replacement surgery, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, says: "A sedentary lifestyle can be especially harmful to knee health after the age of 40. With age, joints naturally lose some flexibility and cartilage begins to wear down. Lack of movement accelerates this process by weakening the muscles that support the knee—particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. When these muscles are weak, the knee joint takes on more strain, leading to stiffness, reduced mobility, and an increased risk of injury. Sedentary behavior also contributes to weight gain, which places extra pressure on the knees, worsening conditions like osteoarthritis. Inactive joints also receive less blood flow and synovial fluid (which lubricates and nourishes cartilage), which may speed up joint degeneration. Over time, this can result in chronic knee pain, inflammation, and reduced function. Regular movement, even light activity like walking or stretching, can significantly improve knee strength, joint lubrication, and overall mobility, helping prevent age-related knee issues."

What are the warning signs of knee trouble?