Knee osteoarthritis is a common joint disease among middle-aged and elderly people, and during the low temperature season, it causes unbearable pain and inconvenience in daily life. Knee pain, is it really 'frozen'? Jia Bingshen, director of the Department of Joint Surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, believes that the onset of knee osteoarthritis is the result of multiple factors working together, among which there are three main "behind the scenes" drivers: vasoconstriction and blockage of the joint's "nutrient channel". When the temperature drops, the small blood vessels around the knee joint will automatically contract, reducing the blood supply to the joint by more than 30%, causing insufficient local blood supply and oxygen supply, resulting in pain. Muscles are 'lazy', and joint 'protective shields' are loose. The stability of the knee joint relies on the surrounding muscles acting as "natural protective gear". Low temperature can cause muscle stiffness and decreased tension, leading to uneven stress on the joint surface, making it easier for cartilage to "hard hit" and causing pain naturally. In addition, as the weather gets colder, many people do not want to move, and their muscles become weaker, which exacerbates the pain. Friction increases and joint 'lubricant' decreases. Low temperature can directly stimulate the synovium, reducing synovial fluid secretion and increasing joint friction, especially when suddenly transitioning from stillness to movement, resulting in more pronounced dryness or soreness in the knee joint. Low temperature can also make the nerve endings around the knee joint more sensitive, and even slight stimulation may cause significant pain. Jia Bingshen stated that the occurrence of knee osteoarthritis is not a "sudden onset", but a result of "long-term wear and tear+low-temperature induction". During the cold season, it is important to take good care of the knee joint, as the three essential components of warmth, exercise, and nutrition are indispensable. Be precise in keeping warm and don't let your knees get cold. Of course, the thicker the clothes, the better, but it is necessary to achieve "key coverage". The blood circulation of the quadriceps and ankle muscles in the front of the thigh directly affects the temperature of the knee joint. In winter, you can wear a long jacket to protect the front of the thigh and thick socks to wrap around the ankle. Sit less and exercise more, allowing muscles to "support" the knees. You can choose gentle aerobic exercise, such as temperature controlled swimming or walking on flat roads, to promote blood circulation while not putting too much pressure on your knees. Middle aged and elderly people should pay special attention to muscle strength training, often doing straight leg lifts and slow flexion and extension movements to prevent joint stiffness. When experiencing knee pain, it is important to avoid activities such as mountain climbing, squats, skipping rope, and sudden exertion to prevent acute inflammation. Eat the right nutrients and provide sufficient energy to the joints. Protein is the 'raw material' for cartilage and muscle; Calcium and vitamin D can prevent osteoporosis; Some fatty acids in deep-sea fish can alleviate joint inflammation. If conditions permit, these need to be reasonably supplemented. In addition, controlling weight and reducing knee stress are also key to knee protection. Many people think that just enduring knee pain is the biggest misconception. ”Jia Bingshen pointed out that when the knee swelled into "Mantou", the joint "stuck", the leg "twisted", especially from "walking pain" to "rest pain", even taking painkillers did not work, indicating that the inflammation was very serious, you should go to the hospital in time. (New Society)