In an enthusiastic symposium, a hobbled gentleman slowly stood up, his voice soft but powerful: "Every time I try to climb the stairs, my knees are like crying, 'I can't take it anymore', and the sound and pain make me have to stop every time." This is not just his personal story, but the common reality of countless middle-aged and elderly friends. We rely on them every day to walk, run, or even just stand, but rarely realize it until they start signaling dissatisfaction. Knee problems, such as pain, joint rings, and leg weakness, have become a daily concern for many people. 
But if I told you that with timely attention and the right approach, these problems can not only be alleviated, but even prevented to a large extent, would you be willing to take a moment to understand how to protect this precious pillar of your body? Cartilage, this thin layer of tissue, is the guarantee of smooth movement of the joints. As we age, cartilage wears out, just as mechanical parts lose their lubricating oil. This not only leads to reduced mobility, but is also accompanied by pain and joint rings. The causes are varied, including genetic factors, overuse due to prolonged physical work or exercise, and the increased burden of obesity. These factors accelerate the process of wear and tear of cartilage, which makes the problems of the knee come earlier. Detection & Diagnosis: Demystifying knee problemsEarly diagnosis is key to avoiding further knee damage. Arthroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the two main diagnostic tools. Arthroscopy provides a direct view of the inside of the joint, while MRI provides detailed images of cartilage and other soft tissues to help doctors assess the extent of the injury. In addition, self-examination is also a useful tool. If you find yourself with knee pain when you go up and down stairs, or have trouble getting up after sitting for long periods of time, this could be an early sign of cartilage damage. Prevention Comes Before**: Protecting Your KneesEating properly and protecting your joints is the key to preventing knee problems. Foods rich in vitamin D and calcium, such as milk, cheese and dark green vegetables, strengthen bones. At the same time, consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, can reduce joint inflammation. Exercise in moderation and strengthen your muscles Regular low-impact exercises, such as swimming and cycling, can strengthen your leg muscles and reduce the burden on your knees. Avoid being motionless for long periods of time and get up and move every hour to prevent joint stiffness. Weight management, reducing overburdened weight can increase the strain on the knees. Controlling your weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can effectively reduce the burden on your knees and delay the wear and tear of cartilage. 
Non-Surgical**: Multi-pronged Physical**: Builds muscle strength, improves joint mobility, and reduces pain with a customized exercise program. Medications**: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and inflammation, but long-term use should be directed by a doctor and avoided*** Nutritional supplementation: Glucosamine and chondroitin are common supplements to support joint health, they can help improve joint function and reduce pain. Surgery**: If necessary, surgery may be required for severe cartilage damage, such as: Arthroscopic surgery: small incisions are made to remove damaged tissue within the joint and reduce pain. Artificial joint replacement: Replace the damaged part of the joint and restore joint function when the injury seriously affects the quality of life. Lifestyle modifications: Consistent care for appropriate exercise to continue:** After that, continue to do appropriate exercises, such as swimming and yoga, to maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength. 
Daily life attention: Avoid repetitive single movements and standing or sitting for long periods of time, use knee braces to support your knees, and reduce the pressure on your knees from daily activities.