Published on Apr 24, 2017 and last reviewed on Jun 24, 2019 - 1 min read
Abstract
A change in walking pattern, causes the knee to strike many more times than needed. It affects the ground reaction force distribution, consequently leading to the wear and tear of the knee joint.
What Is Your Walking Pattern?
While walking daily during my fitness sessions in one of the famous parks, I was observing the gait pattern (the behavior of different body parts while walking) of many enthusiastic body conscious people. In about 90% of these people, the commonest thing I observed was a typical slapping sound coming out of their shoes, which were of varying intensity. They also exhibited hyperextension of the knee joint, of the striking leg. There are millions of people in the world, who are conscious about their health and go for regular fitness sessions. But, have any of us given a thought over this, what is the source of this sound and its consequences?
While walking, a leg completes one full circle of striking the ground, leaving it, moving forward and again striking it back. The phase when the foot strikes the ground, it faces a very high degree of the ground reaction force. It can be measured as approximately, double the body weight of the individual. When this ground reaction force is unable to get absorbed by the body, it transforms into sound energy, as energy can only be transformed and not destroyed. This is the tapping noise that we have. Some part of this energy also gets converted into potential energy, which impacts the weight-bearing joints of the body like foot, ankle, knee, and back, resulting in various ailments. It starts with their malfunctioning and then constant pain.
Nature has provided us with solutions for all our problems, irrespective of the age in which we are living. Our body can easily absorb these forces if we avoid few commonly performed mistakes as follows:
With these precautions, it is also necessary to strengthen our muscles of the foot, knee, and back, as they will reduce wear and tear of the joints. So, go out, continue your morning fitness regime and stay healthier by keeping these points in your mind.
Last reviewed at:
24 Jun 2019 - 1 min read
RATING
Physiotherapy
I want a permanent solution for my back and neck pain. What should I do?
Query: Hello doctor, I have been experiencing joint pains in my waist, back, and neck for a year now. Whenever I visit a hospital, I am prescribed NSAID, which gives me only a temporary relief. I want this problem to get solved permanently because it has started affecting my academics. I need your ... Read Full »
Knee Pain in Old Age - Osteoarthritis
Article Overview: Knee pain is the most common joint problem seen in older adults. Osteoarthritis is its leading cause. Learn more about this condition here. Read Article
Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disorder with progressive softening and disintegration of articular cartilage accompanied by the new growth of bone at the joint margins and capsular fibrosis. Osteoarthritis may be asymmetrically or symmetrically distributed and often localized t... Read Article
Prevention of Joint Pain in Old Age
Article Overview: Joint pain in old age is a significant concern that should not be ignored. Most of us suffer from knee pain or back pain after a certain age. If we follow simple measures in our daily routine, then most of these conditions can be prevented. Read Article
Knee joint pain and backache especially in the lumbar region is a widespread problem. Almost everyone suffers from these problems in life either because of an unhealthy lifestyle or some disease. These are preventable and treatable in most cases, but most people have a disability and pain due to a l... Read Article
Most Popular Articles
Do you have a question on Knee Pain or Joint Pain?
Ask an expert Online