What are the harms of standing for long periods on the knees?

Mar 27, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
The knee refers to the knee joint. Prolonged standing easily increases the burden on the knee joint, leading to joint disorders. Additionally, during standing, the muscles surrounding the knee joint remain tense continuously; prolonged standing may cause ligament wear and result in symptoms such as knee pain. Moreover, extended periods of standing can lead to gradual degeneration of the knee joint cartilage and increased sensitivity to pain stimuli.

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.


Related Articles

View All