Walking knees are inexplicably "soft", don't ignore it! There may be a big problem behind this

Updated on: 54-0-0 0:0:0

In daily life, many people may have experienced such a situation: when walking, the knee suddenly "went soft" and felt as if it was about to fall. This phenomenon, while common, can be confusing and worrying.

So, what's going on with the sudden "softness" of the knees?

The basic structure and function of the knee joint

The knee joint is one of the largest and most complex joints in the human body.It is made up of the femur, tibia, and patella (what we often call the kneecap), and is surrounded by multiple ligaments, tendons, and muscles that work together to maintain its stability and flexibility.
△圖片來源：Pixabay
Different parts of the knee joint cooperate with each other to complete a variety of complex activities such as walking, running and jumping.

Possible causes of a sudden "softness" of the knee
1. Muscle fatigue
Standing or walking for long periods of time, especially without adequate rest, may cause fatigue in the muscles around the knee joint, leading to a momentary feeling of weakness, which usually relieves after a short rest.
2. Ligaments that relax or damage the ligaments around the knee joint (such as anterior cruciate ligament, posterior cruciate ligament, etc.) are responsible for maintaining the stability of the joint. If the ligaments are loose or injured, it may cause the knee joint to lose stability for a moment and feel "soft".Ligament injuries are common in athletes or people who perform high-intensity physical labor.3. Meniscus injuryThe meniscus is a soft tissue structure within the knee joint that plays a role in cushioning and stabilizing the joint. If the meniscus is injured or torn, it can cause a stimpling or weakness in the knee as it moves.Meniscus injuries are commonly caused by sudden movements that twist the knee joint, such as badminton, basketball, soccer, etc.
4. Patellomalacia Patellomalacia refers to the degeneration and damage of patellar cartilage, which is common in young athletes or people who have been engaged in weight-bearing activities of the knee joint for a long time. People may experience sudden weakness in their knees when walking or going up and down stairs.The occurrence of chondromalacia patella is related to factors such as knee degeneration, overuse of the knee joint, and knee trauma.5. Neurological factors
The movement of the knee joint is controlled by the nervous system. If a nerve is compressed or damaged, such as a herniated lumbar disc, it can affect the movement of the knee joint, causing a sudden feeling of "softness." Lumbar disc herniation is common in people who are sedentary and have long-term weight bearing.
6. Arthritis
Chronic joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause a decrease in the stability of the knee joint, resulting in momentary weakness. Osteoarthritis is more common in older people, while rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age.
If the knee is often "soft" when walking, we first consider meniscus injury and patellar malocalacia.

How to deal with a sudden "softness" in the knee?
1.適當休息
If it is caused by muscle fatigue, it is advisable to take appropriate rest and avoid standing or walking for long periods of time. Fatigue can be relieved by elevating the legs, applying warm compresses, etc.
2. Strengthen your workouts
Proper muscle strength training, such as quadriceps and hamstrings, can enhance the stability of the knee joint and prevent weakness.

Common workouts include:
Squats: help strengthen the quadriceps and gluteal muscles, and should be performed under the guidance of a physician for people with patellofemoral joint disease.Straight Leg Raise Exercises: Enhance the stability of your knee joint with leg strength training.3. Wearing knee pads is OK when doing strenuous exercise or walking for a long timeWear knee pads for extra support and protection. A knee brace can help stabilize the knee joint and reduce the risk of injury.4. Maintain a healthy weight
Excess weight can put a strain on the knee joint, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce stress on the knee joint and prevent related problems from occurring. Weight can be maintained through a sensible diet and proper exercise.
5. Pay attention to posture and movementIn daily life, paying attention to correct posture and movement can reduce the risk of knee injuries. For exampleAvoid staying in the same position for long periods of time, avoid sudden strenuous exercise, etc.6. Seek medical attention in a timely manner
If the sudden "softness" of the knee occurs frequently, or if it is accompanied by symptoms such as pain and swelling, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time for a detailed examination and diagnosis. Your doctor may recommend imaging tests to determine the specific cause.

Protecting your knees can do this
In order to better protect the knee joint, we can take the following measures:
1. Eat a reasonable diet
The diet should be rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, vitamin D and collagen, which can help maintain healthy bones and joints.
2. Appropriate exercise
Moderate aerobic exercise (such as walking, swimming, cycling, etc.) can enhance cardiorespiratory fitness and improve joint flexibility and stability. At the same time, avoid excessive exercise, especially those that put a lot of stress on the knee joint.
3. Maintain good living habits, quit smoking, limit alcohol, and avoid the impact of bad lifestyle habits on physical health.Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption may affect the health of bones and joints.4. Regular physical examination
Regular check-ups, especially for people at risk of knee disease, can detect problems early and take timely measures.
5. Wear appropriate shoesWearing proper footwear can provide good support and cushioning, reducing the impact on the knee joint.
Choose shoes with soft soles and good support, and avoid high heels and shoes with hard soles.
In daily life, we should pay attention to the health care of the knee joint and take active preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of knee joint diseases. Through scientific exercise, reasonable diet and good living habits, you can effectively improve the health level of the knee joint and enjoy a healthier and more fulfilling life.
(Source: Healthy Beijing)