Banana Knee: Hypermobility Leading to Dysfunction and Vice Versa

Hypermobile and hyperextended knees are conditions that can occur when the knee joint is able to move more than it should, or is extended beyond its normal range of motion. It will give the resemblance of a banana, hence the term banana knee. While some people may have naturally hypermobile joints, others may develop this condition due to injury, overuse, weaknesses, or too much flexibility.

One major issue with hypermobile and hyperextended knees is that they can cause meniscus degradation. The meniscus is a small piece of cartilage that sits between the thigh bone and the shin bone, and it helps to absorb shock and distribute weight evenly across the knee joint. When the knee joint is hyper-mobile or hyperextended, however, the meniscus can become pinched, compressed, or twisted, which can put a lot of strain on this small piece of cartilage and cause it to break down over time.

There are a number of ways to fix hyper-mobile knee joints and prevent meniscus degradation. One effective approach is to focus on strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. These muscles help to support the knee joint and keep it stable during movement, which can reduce the pressure on the meniscus and prevent degradation.

Another helpful technique is to focus on improving your posture and alignment. This can be done through a well designed resistance training program. By maintaining good posture and alignment, you can help to reduce the strain on your knee joint and prevent hyperextension.

Finally, it's important to seek professional help if you're experiencing knee pain or discomfort. A physical therapist or orthopedic specialist can help to diagnose any underlying issues with your knee joint and provide targeted exercises and treatments to help you fix hypermobile knee joints and prevent meniscus degradation. Once you’re cleared you can seek a reputable training staff like Body Elite.

Hypermobile and hyperextended knees can lead to meniscus degradation over time, but there are a number of effective strategies for fixing hyper-mobile knee joints and preventing this issue. By focusing on strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, improving your posture and alignment, and seeking professional help when needed, you can keep your knee joint healthy and pain-free for years to come.