Human knees are tough, but they are prone to injury. this is the reason

Get to know a tough knee joint

The knee, which is also known as the tibiofemoral joint, is a joint that forms between three bones. Namely the thighbone, shin, and patella or kneecap. The presence of joints in the knee allows the lower leg to move in the direction of the thigh movement while supporting body 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 the 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 more pressure is placed on your knees.

Ligaments on the human knee

Ligaments are a network of tough bands that connect one bone to another. Well, the knee has four ligaments that surround the knee joint and function to keep the body stable. Its structure consists of the following parts.

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) connects the femur to the fibula, the small bone of the lower leg (calf) on the side or outer side of the knee.
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is the second major ligament in the knee that connects the femur to the shinbone in the knee.
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) also connects the femur to the bone on the medial or knee side.
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the two main ligaments in the knee that connects the femur to the shin in the knee.

Getting to know the kneecap

The kneecap, also known as the patella, is the small bone in front of your knee. Patella is made of cartilage which functions to connect the thighbone muscles and shin bones.

The bottom of your kneecap (and the end of your thighbone) is covered with a slippery object that helps your bones slide smoothly as you move your leg. As you bend over and straighten your leg, your kneecap will be pulled up and down.

Why did the doctor knock on the kneecap of the patient?

When the doctor taps on your knee with a small rubber hammer, the bottom of your leg will kick as if it had a thought of its own. Even though you didn't move it on purpose. Now, this is called a spontaneous reflex. The hammering will stretch the joints and muscles that are connected in your thighs so that you automatically move your leg.

The human knee reflex is very important because it can help you maintain your balance. In addition, this reflex is also important so that the movement of your foot remains stable and flexible when moving.

If your knee doesn't have this spontaneous reflex, it means there is a problem with your bones, joints, muscles, or ligaments. This is why doctors usually perform tests by tapping your kneecap.

Protects the knee from injury

The ligaments in the human knee are ligaments that are prone to injury. Knee ligament injuries can cause the person experiencing it to experience sudden pain, swelling, a crackling sound from the injured knee, loose joints, and pain every time you lift weights.

For the diagnosis of an injury, the doctor will perform a physical examination and investigations. The examination can be done with an X-ray scan or MRI.

Meanwhile, if you have a knee injury, here are the things you can do.

Protect the injured knee.
Take a break from any activity that causes pain. You can place a small pillow under your knee to support the injured knee.
Ice can reduce pain and swelling. Apply the compress to your injured knee for 10 to 20 minutes, three or more times a day to prevent swelling. You can also protect your knees with an elastic bandage, but not too tightly.
Gently massage the injured area to relieve pain and improve blood flow. Do not massage the injured area as this can cause pain.
Walk with a cane or crutches to reduce the load on the sore knee.
Avoid sports that can trigger pain until your knee is no longer sore or swollen.
Avoid smoking as smoking slows down healing by decreasing blood supply and inhibiting tissue repair.