Five habits that accelerate knee degeneration in working-age adults.

Wearing shoes that are inappropriate for the job.

When combined with prolonged standing or walking, wearing unsuitable shoes—such as those with hard soles, high heels, or no shock absorption—will further increase the direct impact of the impact from the ground on the knees with every step. This applies whether it's formal office shoes or thin, fashionable shoes that look good but don't provide proper foot support. Continuously wearing unsuitable shoes is like accelerating knee degeneration without realizing it.

Lifting heavy objects or exerting physical effort beyond what is necessary.

Many working adults may have to lift heavy objects, organize things, move boxes, or help with housework without planning or using correct posture. Bending over to lift without bending the knees, or rushing to lift using only the back and knees, are all behaviors that put excessive strain on the knees and can have cumulative negative effects on the knees in the long run.

Sitting on the floor increases the risk of re-twisting the same joint.

Upon returning home, many people may not have time to exercise, instead choosing to relax in the evenings, such as watching TV series, organizing the house, or playing with children. They often use familiar postures like sitting cross-legged, in a lotus position, or squatting. These postures put the knees at unnatural angles, especially if done for long periods or repeatedly in the same position without changing. The cartilage structure of the knee can gradually deteriorate due to these unintentional habits.

Symptoms that should not be ignored.

Although knee osteoarthritis doesn't always present with severe symptoms immediately, minor, recurring symptoms such as stiffness upon waking, pain when walking or standing for long periods, or weakness in the joint when getting up from a chair, as well as a "cracking" or "clicking" sound in the knee during movement, are all warning signs that the cartilage may be beginning to wear away. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include knee swelling, knee deformity, and constant pain. In some cases, the joint may feel "loose," there may be frequent knee popping sounds, or an unstable gait that makes one feel insecure.

How to prevent knee osteoarthritis in working adults.

While knee osteoarthritis may not be 100% unavoidable, it can be slowed down and prevented by starting with small daily lifestyle changes. These include changing posture regularly throughout the day, avoiding sitting in the same position for more than 30-60 minutes, getting up, moving around, or walking to change positions occasionally, and avoiding lifting heavy objects or lifting them in an incorrect posture.

Strengthen your thigh muscles through exercises like leg extensions, or choose low-impact exercises such as swimming, cycling, and brisk walking. Also, select appropriate shoes with soft, flexible soles that effectively absorb shock.

The appropriate solution begins with an accurate diagnosis.

Even with preventative measures, accurate diagnosis is crucial if you experience chronic pain. At S Hospital, a specialized spine and joint hospital, we use tools such as X-rays and MRIs. Our specialists will assess the severity and cause of osteoarthritis to develop a personalized treatment plan. In early stages, non-surgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or joint fluid injections may be used.

However, if the symptoms worsen to the point that they affect daily life, such as difficulty walking or the joint starting to deform, your doctor may recommend treatment techniques such as MIS (Mild Injury Surgery), which includes knee repair surgery or knee replacement. This can help you regain mobility and confidence in every step of your life.