척추관절 에스엘서울병원

Tag: Degenerative Arthritis

  • Knee Shockwave Therapy: 3 Things to Check If Stair Pain Lasts 2+ Weeks

    Knee Shockwave Therapy: 3 Things to Check If Stair Pain Lasts 2+ Weeks

    SummaryKnee shockwave therapy is a conservative, non-surgical treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to improve blood flow and support tissue repair, without any incision or anesthesia. If stair-climbing pain has lasted more than 2 weeks, here’s what to know about how it works, who it’s for, and the recommended number of sessions.

    Most of us have felt that sharp, tingling twinge in the knee while walking down stairs at least once.

    It’s tempting to assume a few days of rest will fix it,
    but many people put off dealing with the pain and only see a doctor once it’s become a bigger problem.

    According to a Newspim report citing Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service data, the number of patients treated for degenerative arthritis rose from about 4.04 million in 2019 to roughly 4.33 million in 2023.
    Pain that feels like ordinary muscle soreness can actually be microscopic damage to a ligament or tendon.

    Key takeaway
    A sharp twinge in the knee when climbing or descending stairs can be a sign that microscopic damage has built up in the cartilage, ligaments, or tendons.
    Knee shockwave therapy is a conservative treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to support blood flow and tissue regeneration, without any incision or anesthesia.
    If symptoms last more than 2 weeks, it’s important to get a thorough exam to identify the underlying cause first.

    knee shockwave therapy

    Why Is It Risky to Ignore Knee Pain?

    The short answer: the longer you dismiss early pain as ordinary fatigue, the more your joint’s range of motion narrows, making it easier for the pain to become chronic.

    Knee pain doesn’t only come from degenerative arthritis, where the cartilage wears down —
    it can also stem from tendinitis, ligament damage, and a range of other causes.

    The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency’s National Health Information Portal describes osteoarthritis this way.

    Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage that cushions the impact between the bones of a joint gradually deteriorates or undergoes degenerative change, causing secondary damage to the bone, joint capsule, and surrounding ligaments — resulting in pain, deformity, and functional impairment.

    The agency also notes that there is currently no treatment that can fully restore a joint that has already undergone degenerative change back to normal.

    That’s exactly why
    identifying and managing the cause of pain early matters so much.

    Knee shockwave therapy illustration 2

    Knee shockwave therapy illustration 3

    Cartilage, ligaments, and tendons all have limited blood supply, which gives them a relatively low capacity for self-repair.

    According to the same Newspim report, 82.3% of degenerative arthritis patients are age 60 or older, and the condition tends to become more common with age.

    Knee shockwave therapy illustration 4

    Checklist
    ✅ You feel a sharp twinge in the knee when climbing or descending stairs
    ✅ Your joint feels stiff when standing up after sitting for more than 30 minutes
    ✅ The area around the joint is frequently swollen or feels warm
    ✅ You hear a sound from your knee while walking, along with pain

    If even one of these applies to you, it’s worth seeing an orthopedic specialist to pinpoint the exact cause.

    Knee shockwave therapy illustration 5

    What Is Knee Shockwave Therapy and How Does It Work?

    Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a non-surgical, conservative treatment that delivers high-energy sound waves to the affected area to help reactivate cells and improve blood flow.

    Because it’s a non-invasive method involving no incision or anesthesia, it places relatively little burden on the body.

    Knee shockwave therapy illustration 6

    A session typically takes only about 10 to 15 minutes,
    so even busy professionals can fit it into their schedule and return to normal activities right afterward.

    Because the depth of the affected tissue and each patient’s pain tolerance differ,
    it’s important for the shockwave intensity to be precisely adjusted on an individual basis.

    Key points
    ✔ A non-invasive treatment performed without incision or anesthesia
    ✔ A short procedure time, typically around 10 to 15 minutes
    ✔ Intensity can be adjusted based on tissue depth and pain tolerance

    Knee shockwave therapy illustration 7

    How shockwave therapy works
    High-energy sound waves are delivered to the affected area → this creates micro-stimulation → which is reported to promote new blood vessel formation and increase blood flow → helping support tissue regeneration and pain relief

    That said, shockwave therapy isn’t applied the same way to every area or every type of pain.

    According to a Nate News report, the body parts classified as eligible under the private supplemental insurance guidelines established in 2026 are listed below.

    Area Representative condition
    Shoulder Calcific tendinitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy
    Elbow Lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondylitis
    Hip Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
    Knee Patellar tendinitis
    Ankle Achilles tendinitis
    Foot Plantar fasciitis
    Spine Cervical/lumbar myofascial pain syndrome

    According to the same report, the guideline recommends up to 6 sessions per area and 12 sessions per year as the standard treatment frequency.

    It was also reported that a single session typically involves 2,000 or more shocks, administered in principle once a week — but it’s best to confirm the exact criteria with your treating medical institution.

    What Should You Check When Choosing a Yangju Orthopedic Clinic?

    Effectively improving knee pain takes more than just reducing the pain itself —
    it starts with a systematic diagnosis and a tailored management plan.

    Knee shockwave therapy illustration 8

    1. Thorough imaging evaluation — Even when symptoms look similar, the extent of internal joint damage varies from person to person, so check whether the clinic builds a tailored treatment plan based on an accurate diagnosis.
    2. Non-surgical, conservative treatment first — Look at whether the clinic combines shockwave therapy with other conservative options suited to your condition, such as medication or physical therapy.
    3. Follow-up care and lifestyle guidance — Proper knee stretching and posture correction after treatment are essential for preventing symptoms from coming back.

    If you’d like more detailed guidance on non-surgical treatment options, you can find more information on the SL Seoul Spine & Joint Hospital homepage.

    Knee shockwave therapy illustration 9

    Things to keep in mind
    After knee shockwave therapy, you may temporarily notice some stiffness or slightly increased soreness.
    This can be a normal part of the tissue-repair process, but if the pain continues, be sure to discuss it with your treating physician.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Does knee shockwave therapy hurt a lot?
    Answer: Because the treatment stimulates the affected area directly, you may feel some mild soreness or discomfort. The intensity is adjusted to match each patient’s pain tolerance.

    2. How many sessions are needed, and how often?
    Answer: Treatment is generally given once or twice a week. Reports indicate that under the 2026 private supplemental insurance guidelines, up to 6 sessions per area and 12 sessions per year may be covered. It’s best to confirm the exact number of sessions and the latest coverage criteria with your medical provider.

    3. Can I return to daily activities right after the procedure?
    Answer: Because it’s a non-invasive treatment, you can typically go back to your normal routine immediately afterward. That said, it’s best to avoid intense exercise or excessive joint use on the day of the procedure.

    4. Are there cases where someone can’t receive shockwave therapy?
    Answer: Treatment may be limited for areas with severe acute inflammation or skin conditions, as well as for pregnant patients or those taking blood thinners, so a consultation beforehand is essential.

    5. Is the cost covered by supplemental insurance?
    Answer: Shockwave therapy is not covered by national health insurance and is billed as an out-of-pocket procedure. Reports indicate that under the 2026 guidelines, private supplemental insurance often only covers up to 6 sessions per area per year and 12 sessions total per year, so it’s worth checking your policy’s terms in advance.

    Knee shockwave therapy illustration 10

    Knee shockwave therapy illustration 11

    References

    · Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, “Osteoarthritis,” National Health Information Portal, 2026. Link
    · Newspim, “Degenerative Arthritis Patients Surpass 4 Million — Caution Advised as Winter Worsens Symptoms,” 2026. Link
    · Cheon Dong-il et al., “Recent Advances in Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy,” Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association, 2024. Link
    · Nate News, “Shockwave Therapy Recommended at Up to 6 Sessions per Area, 12 Sessions per Year — Exceeding the Limit Excludes Insurance Coverage,” 2026. Link

    This article is provided for general health information purposes only and is not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment. If you’re experiencing symptoms, please consult a medical professional.

  • Knee Surgery: 3 Key Checks Before Choosing an Orthopedic Surgeon

    Knee Surgery: 3 Key Checks Before Choosing an Orthopedic Surgeon

    SummaryBefore agreeing to knee surgery, here’s a checklist for choosing an orthopedic surgeon, the stages from conservative to surgical treatment, and how to protect your knees after surgery.

    What would you think if you went to a doctor for knee pain and, without much discussion, surgery was the first thing mentioned?

    If that happens, it’s worth pausing to reconsider how you’re choosing a provider in the first place.

    Knee surgery is generally considered a last resort once conservative treatment has reached its limits, not the first option on the table.

    This article covers what to check when choosing an orthopedic provider before agreeing to knee surgery, the step-by-step criteria from conservative to surgical treatment, and the joint-protection habits that matter whether or not you end up having surgery.

    knee surgery

    knee surgery related image 2

    Why does knee pain happen, and how should you choose an orthopedic surgeon?

    In short, a trustworthy orthopedic practice is one that presents both surgical and non-surgical options in a balanced way.

    An orthopedic surgeon is a physician who evaluates and treats musculoskeletal conditions—bones, joints, and ligaments—through detailed diagnostic testing and staged treatment.

    Because the knee bears the body’s full weight with every step, complaints of knee pain are rising not only among middle-aged and older adults but also among physically active younger people.

    Many people dismiss early knee pain as ordinary muscle soreness and only see a doctor once symptoms have lingered for a long time.

    That’s why, when choosing a provider, you should first check whether the practice has detailed imaging equipment on-site and whether specialist consultations are thorough and systematic.

    knee surgery related image 3

    Orthopedic provider checklist
    ✅ Does the practice have detailed imaging equipment (X-ray, MRI, etc.)?
    ✅ Does it present conservative and surgical treatment options in a balanced way?
    ✅ Are diagnosis and consultation handled systematically by a specialist?
    ✅ Does it offer a connected post-surgical rehabilitation program?

    knee surgery related image 4

    Key takeaway
    The longer knee pain is left untreated, the more diagnosis and treatment tend to be delayed.
    If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it’s safest to get a thorough diagnostic exam.

    At what stage is knee surgery considered?

    In short, knee surgery is typically the last option considered when pain and functional decline don’t improve with conservative treatment.

    Knee surgery refers to treatment that repairs damaged cartilage or ligaments, or, when necessary, replaces the joint with an artificial implant to restore knee function.

    In earlier stages, conservative treatments such as medication and physical therapy are typically tried first.

    However, when cartilage damage is severe or degenerative arthritis has progressed significantly, conservative treatment alone may not be enough.

    knee surgery related image 5

    Key takeaway
    Stage 1: Medication and exercise therapy (conservative treatment)
    Stage 2: Intra-articular injections with close monitoring
    Stage 3: Arthroscopic surgery or knee replacement considered
    Category Conservative Treatment Surgical Treatment
    Who it’s for Early to moderate arthritis, ligament sprains Advanced arthritis, structural tears
    Treatment goal Pain relief, slowing progression Restoring joint structure and function
    A note of caution
    Pain severity alone isn’t a reliable way to decide whether surgery is needed.
    The decision should always follow imaging that confirms the extent of cartilage damage.

    If you need an accurate diagnosis and consultation, visit the SLS Seoul Hospital Spine & Joint Center homepage for care information.

    What joint-care habits matter regardless of whether you have surgery?

    In short, weight management and thigh-strengthening exercise are the two habits that most affect how long your knees last.

    Joint-protection habits refer to lifestyle practices that reduce the load placed on the knee and strengthen the surrounding muscles to slow down joint damage.

    knee surgery related image 6

    The effect of weight loss
    According to media reports, losing just 1 kg of body weight is said to reduce the load on the knee by roughly 4 kg, though this can vary by individual.
    Consistent weight management is essentially a way to extend the lifespan of your joints.

    Avoid strenuous hiking or repeated stair climbing, and instead choose low-impact aerobic activities such as walking on flat ground, swimming, or stationary cycling.

    In particular, strengthening the quadriceps—the muscles at the front of the thigh—under professional guidance helps maintain knee stability.

    knee surgery related image 7

    Joint-protection habits
    ✅ Avoid squatting or sitting cross-legged on the floor
    ✅ Maintain a healthy weight to reduce knee load
    ✅ Consistently strengthen the quadriceps (front thigh muscles)
    ✅ Rest when you feel pain and get a thorough evaluation

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. If I have knee pain, do I automatically need surgery?
    No. In early to moderate stages, conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, and exercise therapy are tried first. Knee surgery is considered only when sufficient conservative treatment doesn’t improve symptoms or structural damage is severe.

    2. What’s the first thing to check when choosing an orthopedic provider?
    It’s best to first confirm whether the practice has detailed imaging equipment and whether its specialists present both surgical and non-surgical options in a balanced way.

    3. How long does rehabilitation take after knee surgery?
    It varies by the type of surgery and the patient’s condition, but recovery of joint range of motion and strength typically happens gradually over weeks to months.

    4. What’s the best way to protect your knees in daily life?
    Avoiding squatting or sitting cross-legged, walking on flat ground, managing your weight, and consistently strengthening the quadriceps are all effective habits.

    knee surgery related image 8

    knee surgery related image 9

    knee surgery related image 10

    knee surgery related image 11

    References

    · Kookje Ilbo, “A 1 kg Weight Gain Puts 4 kg of Extra Load on the Knee,” Kookje Ilbo, 2019. Read more
    · Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) National Health Information Portal, “Knee Osteoarthritis: Exercising the Right Way,” KDCA. Read more
    · Seoul National University Hospital, “Degenerative Arthritis,” SNUH Medical Information. Read more

    This article is provided for general health information purposes only and is not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment. If you have symptoms, please consult a physician.

  • Sharp Knee Pain: 2 Causes to Know Before Your Cartilage Wears Down

    Sharp Knee Pain: 2 Causes to Know Before Your Cartilage Wears Down

    SummaryHave you been brushing off that sharp knee pain as just a sign of getting older? Osteoarthritis and a meniscus tear show up in different places and in different ways. Here’s how to tell them apart, a self-check list, and everyday habits that may help ease the discomfort.

    Does the inside of your knee twinge every time you walk down the stairs?
    You’ve probably told yourself, “that’s just what happens as you get older,” and pushed through it again today.

    But while you’ve been pushing through it, your cartilage has been quietly wearing away.
    A joint is tissue that, once damaged, isn’t easy to restore.

    Before you brush off recurring sharp knee pain again,
    here’s how to tell the causes apart based on where it hurts and what it feels like.

    Sharp knee pain is a common early sign that stress has built up in the cartilage, ligaments, and muscles around the joint. The two main conditions behind knee pain — osteoarthritis and a meniscus tear — show up in different locations and in different ways. This article breaks down the difference between the two and shares everyday habits that may help prevent them.

    sharp knee pain

    Why Does Sharp Knee Pain Happen?

    Sharp knee pain usually starts as microscopic damage inside the joint.
    Sharp knee pain refers to the discomfort that appears when repeated weight-bearing causes stress to build up in the cartilage, ligaments, and muscles.

    It tends to flare up most during walking, when your full body weight is transferred straight through the knee.
    Because joint tissue doesn’t recover easily once it’s worn down, repeated poor posture or habits can raise pressure inside the joint and lead to inflammation.

    sharp knee pain illustration 2

    Carrying extra body weight or doing strenuous exercise puts noticeably more stress on the joint.
    If you’re frequently active, it’s worth checking your knee’s range of motion from time to time.

    Key Takeaways
    ✔ Sharp knee pain can be an early sign of damage to the cartilage, ligaments, or muscles.
    ✔ Pain tends to worsen during weight-bearing activities like climbing stairs or walking.

    sharp knee pain illustration 3

    How Do You Tell Osteoarthritis and a Meniscus Tear Apart?

    The two most common conditions behind knee pain are osteoarthritis and a meniscus tear, and each shows up differently.
    Osteoarthritis refers to a condition where the cartilage in the joint wears down with age, allowing bone to rub directly against bone.

    It tends to develop after age 50 and is typically marked by a dull, aching pain on the inside of the knee.
    In the early stages, rest tends to relieve it, but as it progresses even walking can become difficult.

    sharp knee pain illustration 4

    A meniscus tear refers to a rip or rupture of the cartilage structure that cushions impact inside the knee joint.
    It typically happens during sudden changes of direction or intense sports activity.

    If your knee swells, or you feel a catching sensation when bending or straightening it, a meniscus tear is worth ruling out.

    Category Osteoarthritis Meniscus Tear
    Typical age group 50 and older Any age, often during intense activity
    Pain location Dull ache on the inside of the knee Throughout the knee, with a catching feeling
    Main cause Gradual wear of the cartilage Sudden twisting or impact
    Other symptoms Stiffness, early relief with rest Swelling, limited bending/straightening
    Self-Check List
    ✅ You feel a sharp twinge on the inside of your knee going up or down stairs
    ✅ Your knee makes a popping sound when you stand up from sitting
    ✅ Your knee feels stiff and swollen when you wake up in the morning
    ✅ The pain is worse going downhill than on flat ground

    How Can You Care for Your Knees Every Day?

    Building muscle strength and maintaining a healthy weight are generally considered two key parts of joint care.
    Knee care means adopting habits that let your muscles share the load, reducing the pressure placed on the joint itself.

    That’s because strong muscles around the knee may help absorb some of the load the joint would otherwise carry on its own.

    sharp knee pain illustration 5

    1. Stick with low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking or stationary cycling.
    2. Cut back on positions that raise pressure inside the knee, like squatting or sitting cross-legged.
    3. Get in the habit of sitting in a chair and keeping good posture.
    4. If pain lasts more than two weeks, see a specialist to find out the cause.

    If you’d like a precise diagnosis, you can also check the joint clinic information on the SL Seoul Hospital (Spine & Joint) homepage.

    Why It Helps
    Building the right habits early on may help support long-term joint health and keep you moving comfortably.

    sharp knee pain illustration 6

    A Note of Caution
    If pain lasts more than two weeks despite rest, or your knee won’t fully straighten, don’t ignore it — get a thorough evaluation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Can I still exercise if it hurts?
    If you’re in an acute flare-up, rest first. That said, light strength training within a pain-free range can support joint health.

    2. Should I use heat or ice?
    If your knee suddenly swells and feels warm, cold therapy is more appropriate. For chronic, ongoing stiffness, heat therapy to improve circulation tends to help more.

    3. When should I see a doctor?
    If pain lasts more than two weeks despite rest, or your knee won’t fully straighten and it’s affecting daily life, a thorough evaluation is recommended.

    4. What happens if a meniscus tear is left untreated?
    The tear can grow larger or lead to further cartilage damage, so if swelling or a catching feeling continues, it’s best to see a doctor early.

    References

    · Asan Medical Center, “Arthritis,” Disease Encyclopedia, Asan Medical Center Health Information. View source
    · Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, “Meniscus Tear,” National Health Information Portal. View source
    · Asan Medical Center, “Tear of Meniscus,” Disease Encyclopedia, Asan Medical Center Health Information. View source

    This article is intended for general health information purposes only and is not a substitute for individual diagnosis or treatment. If you’re experiencing symptoms, please consult a physician.

  • Knee Pain Causes: 3 Reasons Your Knee Hurts Going Down Stairs

    Knee Pain Causes: 3 Reasons Your Knee Hurts Going Down Stairs

    SummaryIf your knee aches when going down stairs, it may not be simple muscle soreness but a sign of cartilage damage. This article covers two common knee pain causes — osteoarthritis and chondromalacia patellae — along with stage-by-stage symptoms and everyday habits that can help.

    Does the front of your knee sting every time you go down the stairs?

    Most people brush it off as ordinary muscle soreness, but if left unaddressed, the discomfort can develop into throbbing pain that flares up at night.

    Failing to identify the knee pain causes in time can allow cartilage damage to progress quietly, so it’s worth paying attention early.

    knee pain causes

    Key Point
    This article breaks down the difference between osteoarthritis and chondromalacia patellae, two common knee pain causes.
    We’ll also look at symptoms by cartilage damage stage and everyday habits that can help ease the load on your knee joints.

    What Causes Knee Pain When Going Down Stairs?

    The reason pain concentrates in the front of the knee when going down stairs is that the joint bears far more weight-bearing load than when climbing up.

    Most knee pain causes come down to cartilage thinning out until bone starts rubbing against bone.

    The knee joint absorbs several times your body weight every single day.
    Because cartilage has no nerve cells, you barely feel anything during the early stages of wear.

    But once enough time passes and the cartilage thins to the point where bones make direct contact, the pain finally becomes noticeable.

    knee pain causes - related image 2

    The causes of knee pain can be grouped below according to which part of the joint is affected.

    Cause Description
    Osteoarthritis A condition in which cartilage gradually wears down due to aging or overuse
    Chondromalacia patellae A condition in which the cartilage behind the kneecap loses firmness and weakens
    Meniscus tear Damage to the cushioning structure inside the knee that absorbs shock

    knee pain causes - related image 3

    Because joints have a limited capacity to heal on their own once damaged, early management is key.
    If you feel pain, it’s safer to stop strenuous exercise right away and rest sufficiently.

    How Are Osteoarthritis and Chondromalacia Patellae Different?

    The two conditions differ in where the cartilage damage occurs and how quickly it progresses.

    Osteoarthritis is a condition in which the cartilage that protects the joint wears away due to aging or repeated stress.
    Chondromalacia patellae, on the other hand, can appear even in relatively younger people and begins when the cartilage behind the kneecap softens.

    According to Korea’s Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the prevalence of osteoarthritis among Korean adults aged 50 and older is around 12.5%, with women affected roughly 3.7 times more often than men.
    Middle-aged and older adults — women in particular — should pay extra attention to joint care.

    Key Point
    Cartilage is a tissue that does not regenerate on its own once it wears down.
    So even if the pain feels mild, if it keeps recurring, it’s best to have it checked early.

    What Stages Does Knee Cartilage Damage Go Through?

    Joint damage stages are a diagnostic framework based on the degree of cartilage wear.
    As the stage progresses, both the situations that trigger symptoms and their intensity change.

    1. Early stage — Walking on flat ground causes little discomfort, but stiffness appears when climbing or descending stairs.
    2. Moderate stage — Pain becomes noticeable when sitting cross-legged or squatting.
    3. Advanced stage — The joint aches and swells not only while walking but also at night during sleep.

    knee pain causes - related image 4

    knee pain causes - related image 5

    It is generally recommended to pair each stage with appropriate non-surgical, conservative care.

    Checklist
    ✅ The front of your knee feels stiff when using stairs
    ✅ You hear a sound along with pain when moving the joint
    ✅ Sitting cross-legged or squatting is uncomfortable
    ✅ Walking on flat ground is difficult, or you feel pain at night
    If two or more apply, it may be a sign that your knee is under excessive strain.

    What Lifestyle Habits Help Reduce Strain on the Knee Joint?

    Strengthening the thigh muscles and adopting habits that distribute body weight more evenly can help protect the joints.

    It’s estimated that for every 1 kg (about 2.2 lb) of body weight gained, the load on the knee joint increases by roughly 3 to 5 kg.
    Simply maintaining a healthy body weight can help reduce common knee pain causes.

    knee pain causes - related image 6

    Habits like squatting to do housework or sitting cross-legged sharply increase pressure on the joint.
    If possible, consider switching to a chair-based routine instead.

    Things to Keep in Mind
    · Avoid deep squatting positions that bend the knee more than 120 degrees
    · Refrain from strenuous hiking or repeated stair climbing while in pain
    · If pain lasts more than 2 weeks, prioritize seeing a doctor over self-care

    knee pain causes - related image 7

    Try to consistently do exercises like stationary cycling or walking on flat ground to strengthen the quadriceps (front thigh muscles).
    Stronger thigh muscles can help absorb some of the impact that would otherwise land directly on the joint.

    Bottom Line
    Combining consistent lower-body strength training with weight management may help reduce the load placed on your joints.
    However, if pain is already present, don’t rely on self-care alone — it’s recommended to also see an orthopedic specialist.

    If symptoms keep recurring, you can also check the SL Seoul Hospital Spine & Joint Center homepage for information on care options.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. If my knee makes noise but doesn’t hurt, do I still need treatment?
    Sound without pain is often just a natural result of friction. However, if pain or swelling is also present, it could indicate cartilage damage, so it’s worth getting checked.

    2. Is heat or ice better for knee pain?
    Ice is more suitable for sudden injuries or swelling accompanied by warmth. For dull, chronic pain, heat therapy that promotes blood circulation tends to work better.

    3. What exercises help prevent arthritis?
    Low-impact activities that put less weight on the knee — such as swimming, water walking, stationary cycling, and slow walking on flat ground — are commonly recommended.

    4. Do I always need to see a doctor for knee pain?
    If pain persists for more than 2 weeks despite rest, or if it’s accompanied by pain at night, it’s safer to get a thorough evaluation from an orthopedic specialist.

    knee pain causes - related image 8

    knee pain causes - related image 9

    References

    · Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, “Osteoarthritis,” National Health Information Portal. View source
    · Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, “Prevalence of Osteoarthritis Among Korean Adults Aged 50 and Older (2010-2013),” Weekly Health and Disease.View source
    · Hyundai Health Newspaper, “Obesity and Arthritis… Every 1kg of Weight Gain Adds 3-5kg of Knee Load,” 2023.View source
    · Ministry of Health and Welfare, Bokjiro, “Sore Knees in Summer and Monsoon Season… Ice or Heat?”.View source

    knee pain causes - related image 10

    knee pain causes - related image 11

    knee pain causes - related image 12

    This article does not promote any specific procedure and is intended to provide general health information only.
    It cannot replace individual diagnosis or treatment, so please consult a qualified physician if you are experiencing symptoms.