According to research, squats may help prevent the need for surgery in the future.
Squats and lunges lowered the chance of knee replacement in arthritis-afflicted seniors, according to US studies.
The research explicitly examined adult participants diagnosed with “wear and tear” knee osteoarthritis.
It is characterized by progressive degeneration of the joint’s protective cartilage, resulting in joint stiffness and discomfort.
Five million Britons suffer from knee osteoarthritis. In the most severe cases, joint replacement or support surgery is required.
The Crucial Role of Quadriceps
The likelihood of requiring knee surgery was lower among individuals who engaged in quadriceps strengthening exercises than those who did not.
The study, which investigated 134 patients diagnosed with knee arthritis, was presented by the researchers at the Radiological Society of North America conference in Chicago.
Fifty percent of the patients in question had undergone total knee replacements.
Researchers compared leg scans of all patients to discover which variables may have prevented surgery in a subgroup.
Growing Demand for Knee Replacements
They discovered that having robust quadriceps was the most crucial factor in reducing the likelihood of requiring surgery.
According to experts, the quadriceps are crucial for daily activities such as walking; therefore, individuals with unstable knees should concentrate on strengthening them.
Robust quadriceps slow arthritis by strengthening the kneecaps and reducing movement forces.
Squats and lunges are simple, equipment-free exercises that aid in strengthening quadriceps and can be performed easily at home.
The study’s author, Dr. Upadhyay Bharadwaj of the University of California, stated to The Times that the findings demonstrated the significance of quadriceps in preserving knee health.
“Our study demonstrates that having larger (quadriceps) muscle groups, in comparison to hamstring muscle groups, is significantly associated with reduced likelihood of total knee replacement surgery within two to four years, in addition to having strong muscles individually,” she explained.
In addition to examining individuals afflicted with knee problems, she continued the research, yielding insights applicable to younger adults.
“Although these findings are crucial for targeted therapy in a population at risk for osteoarthritis, the general public can also benefit by incorporating appropriate strengthening exercises into their routines,” she explained.
Rising Demand for Knee Replacements
Osteoarthritis causes 90% of the 120,000 knee replacements performed in the UK each year.
According to experts, demand for such procedures is expected to skyrocket in the coming years. Due to an ageing population and rising obesity rates, extra fat strains the joint even more.
Last year, Bristol and Southampton researchers predicted a 40% increase in knee replacements by 2060 if current trends continue.
Their research findings were published in The Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
Although obesity and other joint conditions that place additional pressure on the joint can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis, age remains the primary etiological factor.
Additionally, women are considered to have a higher risk than males of developing the condition.
Surgical intervention is reserved for the most severe cases of knee osteoarthritis or when non-adherent therapies. Such as lifestyle modifications and specialized footwear, have failed.
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