What are the harms of standing for long periods on the knees?
The knee generally refers to the knee joint. Prolonged standing usually poses several risks to the knee joint, including increased joint load, ligament injury, and degeneration of knee cartilage. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Increased knee joint load
When standing, the knee joint bears significant pressure. Remaining in a standing position for extended periods increases the burden on the knee joint, making it more susceptible to pathological changes.
2. Ligament injury
To maintain body stability, the muscles surrounding the knee remain tense during standing. Prolonged standing can lead to ligament wear and tear, potentially causing discomfort such as knee pain.
3. Knee cartilage degeneration
Extended periods of standing may gradually cause degeneration of the knee cartilage. The joint surface becomes rough and softer over time, leading to thinning and erosion of the cartilage. Eventually, subchondral bone may become exposed. Once exposed, the nerves within the bone are subjected to mechanical stress inside the joint cavity, increasing sensitivity to pain.
To prevent damage to the knee joint, it is advisable to avoid prolonged standing in daily life. If discomfort in the knee joint occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended.