Food for restoring knee cartilage
Knee cartilage is a smooth, white and elastic substance that covers the bones in the knee joint. It plays a key role in ensuring smooth movement and comfort of the lower limbs.
Functions of knee cartilage:
- Bone protection: Cartilage acts as pads that prevent direct bone contact and minimize friction during movement.
- Shock absorption: Cartilage absorbs the shocks and vibrations generated during walking, running and jumping, thus protecting bones and joints.
- Load distribution: Cartilage evenly distributes the weight of the body to the surface of the joint, preventing overload of individual parts.
The composition of the knee cartilage:
- Water: About 70% of cartilage is made up of water, which gives it elasticity and allows it to deform under load.
- Collagen: Collagen fibers give cartilage strength and resistance to tension.
- Proteoglycans: Proteoglycans are proteins that bind to water and give cartilage the ability to absorb shock.
Osteoarthritis:
Knee cartilage can wear out over time, leading to osteoarthritis. It is a degenerative disease manifested by pain, stiffness and inflammation of the joint.
Risk factors for osteoarthritis:
- Age: With age, cartilage naturally wears out and loses elasticity.
- Overload: The repetitive load on the knee joint, as with sports with big blows, can accelerate cartilage wear.
- Injury: Knee trauma can damage cartilage and lead to its earlier wear.
- Genetics: Some people are genetically predisposed to developing osteoarthritis.
Prevention:
- Appropriate body weight: Excess weight additionally burdens the knee joint and accelerates cartilage wear.
- Regular physical activity: Exercise strengthens the muscles around the knee, which stabilizes the joint and prevents cartilage overload.
- Balanced diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, supports bone and joint health.
- Proper posture: The correct position of the body helps to evenly distribute weight on the joints.
- Listen to your body: Avoid activities that cause pain and discomfort in the knee.
Knee cartilage is an invisible hero that allows us to move smoothly and without pain. By understanding its importance and implementing preventive measures, we can preserve this valuable tissue and ensure a long-lasting active life.