Anatomy
The knee joint represents the connections between the thigh bone, the lower leg bone and the kneecap. This large joint is stabilized by various ligaments, such as the cruciate ligaments (which prevent forward and backward displacement between the lower and upper thigh) and the collateral ligaments (which prevent lateral displacement of the bones), and the muscles which have their origin or origin at the knee or extend beyond it and support it in its function. Because of the uneven joint surfaces between the thigh and lower leg bones, the knee has auxiliary devices – the menisci – which are designed to compensate for these uneven surfaces and distribute loads evenly over the entire knee. Due to the design, it is possible to perform flexion, extension, and slight internal and external rotation in the knee joint. Knee school exercises should therefore train or restore these movements in the knee joint.
Common diseases/injuries
Since a large part of the body weight rests on the knee joint, wear and tear of the joint cartilage and overloading are a common diagnosis. Especially athletes with high knee loads and overweight people damage their joint in the long term, especially if the muscle corset is not up to the demands or is imbalanced. Instabilities after ligament injuries or meniscus damage are also typical injuries.
This is where the knee school comes in, teaching joint-gentle behavior and stabilizing exercises. People with a leg axis malposition should also use the stabilizing exercises from the knee school to build up muscles. These topics may also be of interest to you:
- Torn ligament knee
- Exercises for a cruciate ligament rupture
- Exercises for an injury to the inner and outer ligaments
- Exercises for a meniscus lesion
- Torn meniscus – Physiotherapy
Causes
As already mentioned, overloading, long or one-sided loads, axial misalignment or past injuries are the cause of the following cartilage damage (arthrosis). But even simple lack of exercise is reason enough for the disease. The cartilage itself is not supplied with blood and thus receives its vital nutrients only through movement. Especially in advanced age, it is important to move the joints regularly, as signs of wear and tear are part of the natural aging process. Knee training therefore not only trains the mobility in the knee joint, but also stimulates the supply of nutrients to the cartilage.
