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Strong Legs Prevent Knee Pain |
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Written by Superhuman
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Wednesday, 23 January 2008 |
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Osteoarthritis is a painful joint disease that destroys cartilage and affects its capacity to cushion, protect and maintain joint lubrication.
Cartilage covers and protects the bones in major joints such as the knees. Many bodybuilders develop arthritis in their knee joints as they age. Mayo Clinic researchers— in a 30-month study— found that strong, balanced leg muscles can prevent knee pain and arthritis. They studied 265 men and women who had knee arthritis and found it was less in people who had larger, stronger thigh muscles. Weak muscles cause instability and poor tracking of the kneecap, which stresses the cartilage and triggers arthritis and pain in the knee. Many young bodybuilders use improper form during squats and knee extensions, which can damage sensitive cartilage in the knee and set the stage for arthritis. Also, many use too much weight when learning these lifts, so they cheat during the exercise and never develop strong muscles that will allow them to squat large weights without damaging the knees. (Paper presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting, Nov. 15, 2006)
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