Gelenkbelastungen

Gelenkbelastungen, also known as joint loading or joint stress, refers to the forces and torques that act on a joint. These loads can arise from a variety of sources, including body weight, muscle activity, and external forces such as impact or lifting. Understanding joint loading is crucial in fields like biomechanics, orthopedics, and sports medicine, as excessive or prolonged stress can lead to tissue damage, pain, and the development of degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis.

The magnitude and type of joint loading vary significantly depending on the activity. For instance, simple standing involves relatively low joint loads compared to activities like running, jumping, or lifting heavy objects. Muscles play a vital role in modulating joint loads by generating forces that stabilize the joint and absorb shock. The geometry and structure of the joint itself also influence how forces are distributed across the articular cartilage and subchondral bone.

Factors contributing to increased joint loading include obesity, improper biomechanics, repetitive movements, and trauma. Over time, the cumulative effect of these loads can exceed the capacity of the joint tissues to adapt and repair, leading to wear and tear. Therefore, strategies to manage and reduce harmful joint loading often involve weight management, ergonomic adjustments, appropriate exercise, and rehabilitation to improve muscle strength and coordination.