Contents:
- Medical Video: Knee Braces: 5 Fast Facts
- Get to know tough knee joints
- Ligaments in the human knee
- Get to know the shell on the knee
- Why do doctors knock the patient's kneecap?
- Protect the knee from injury
Medical Video: Knee Braces: 5 Fast Facts
The knee is one of the largest and most complicated joints in the body. The human knee is an organ that supports almost all body weight. Especially when you walk, run, jump, or do other activities. So, it's not surprising that your knees are very vulnerable to injury.
Get to know tough knee joints
The knee, also known as the tibiofemoral joint, is a joint formed between three bones. Namely the thigh bone, shin bone, and patella or kneecap. The presence of a joint in the knee allows the lower leg to move in the direction of the thigh movement while supporting the weight.
Movement in the knee joint is very important to support daily activities, including walking, running, sitting, and standing. Now, every time you walk, your knees will support your body three to six times your body weight. This is why the joints in the human knee are so tough. However, the more you gain weight, the greater the pressure on your knee.
Ligaments in the human knee
Ligaments are hard-band tissue that connects one bone to another. Well, the knee has four ligaments that surround the knee joint and serves to keep the body stable. The structure consists of the following parts.
- The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) connects the femur to the fibula, the lower leg (calf) to the side or outside of the knee.
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the second main ligament on the knee that connects the femur to the bone of the shin in the knee.
- The medial collateral ligament (MCL) also connects the femur to the bone on the medial side or knee.
- The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the two main ligaments in the knee that connect the femur to the shin in the knee.
Get to know the shell on the knee
Kneecap or called patella, is a small bone that is located in front of your knee. Patella is made of cartilage which serves to connect the thigh bone and shin muscles.
The bottom of your kneecap (and the tip of your thigh bone) is covered with slippery objects that help your bones slide smoothly as you move your legs. When you bend and stretch your legs, your kneecap will be pulled up and down.
Why do doctors knock the patient's kneecap?
When the doctor knocks your knee with a small rubber hammer, the bottom of your foot will kick as if there is his own mind. Even though you don't move it intentionally. Well, this is called spontaneous reflex. A hammer knock will stretch the joints and muscles that are connected to your thighs so that you automatically move your feet.
Human knee reflex is very important because it can help you maintain your balance. In addition, this reflex is also important so that your foot movements remain stable and flexible when moving.
If your knee does not have this spontaneous reflex, then there is indeed a problem with your bones, joints, muscles, or ligaments. That's why doctors usually do an examination by tapping your kneecap.
Protect the knee from injury
Ligaments in the human knee are ligaments that are prone to injury. Injury to the knee ligament can cause the person experiencing it to feel sudden, swollen pain, a crackling sound from the injured knee, the joint feels loose, and it will hurt every time you lift weights.
For an injury diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a physical examination and investigation. Examination can be done by X-ray scan or MRI.
Whereas if you have a knee injury, here are things you can do.
- Protect the injured knee.
- Take a break from all activities that cause pain. You can put a small pillow under your knee to support the injured knee.
- Ice can reduce pain and swelling. Compress your injured knee for 10 to 20 minutes, three or more times a day to prevent swelling. You can also protect your knees with elastic bandages, but not too tightly.
- Gently massage the injured part to relieve pain and smooth blood flow. Do not massage the injured part because it can cause pain.
- Walk with a stick or crutch to reduce the burden on the aching knee.
- Avoid sports that can trigger pain until your knees are no longer painful or swollen.
- Avoid smoking because smoking can slow healing by reducing blood supply and inhibiting tissue repair.
