I am a 33-year-old woman who has been working as a graphic designer for the last eight years. Till about last year, I used to sit cross-legged for around four hours at my desk and never used to experience any discomfort. However, since a month after I stopped working, I have been hearing a creaking sound in my knees every timeI climb stairs or when I bend.
There's no pain in the knees. Doctors have assured me there's nothing to worry about as long as there's no pain. But I'm still doubtful and feel it might be the early warning signs of a serious knee ailment. I have even stopped running, which I used to love. Please shed some light on my condition and also suggest precautions to maintain knee health.
- P, by email
In certain office jobs, natural movements may sometimes be restricted or we may be forced to perform certain movements which the body may not be accustomed to. There is no perfect working position. The human body is designed to move, not to sit still for an extended period of time.
Using a keyboard for close to 60 hours a week could affect your health. Change the angle at which you sit, move your legs and get up every so often to walk around. You need to do this regularly; during a long-lasting task, you might forget to move until you feel physical pain. Knee health is critical and will have a profound impact on your daily life. Crepitus is a noise and/or vibration you feel when you bend and straighten the knee.
Popping or snapping of the knees not associated with pain or swelling, or locking symptoms are often not a sign of a significant problem. Risk factors to knee health are being overweight, repeated strain, previous injury to the knee, the accumulation of crystal deposits in gout, and so on.
A diet rich in vegetables and grains and low in fat, with an intake of proteins and fish, is best for optimal joint health. Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for your knees. Try knee extensions, hamstring curls and leg presses with a physical trainer to strengthen these muscles.
If your knees ache after jogging or walking, favour low-impact exercises such as cycling and swimming, as opposed to running and jogging. Well-fitting shoes are also important to help your knees to maintain stability. According to Ayurveda, a teaspoon of black sesame seeds taken on an empty stomach with cold water nourishes bones and joints.
I am a 16-year-old girl with very dark underarms. Please could you suggestsome home remedies?
- R.M., by email
Underarms may end up looking dark due to regular shaving. It is best to wax underarms. Dark underarms could also be caused by regular use of certain antiperspirants or deodorants, so try to keep your underarms deodorant-free when you are at home, and apply them only when necessary. If you apply an antiperspirant, wash it off when you reach home.
Acanthosis nigricans is a condition characterised by abnormal thickening and darkening of the skin, especially in body creases. It is most commonly associated with obesity or polycystic ovarian disease in women. Commonly affected areas are the sides and back of the neck, armpits, and groin. If you are overweight, work on getting into a healthy weight range. Try the following tips:
- Do not wear synthetic fabrics, particularly those that come in contact with the underarm area.
- Apply eladi keram* before takinga shower.
- Applying lemon juice should help as natural bleach. Grind mint leaves with enough lemon juice to make a paste. Apply this regularly to your underarms for 10 minutes. Almond paste mixed with honey or milk is a good alternative.
- Apply eladi* powder mixed with coconut milk to the underarmarea on a regular basis.
- Scrub the underarm area thoroughly while bathing.
Dr VL Shyam, MD (Ay), M Phil
Regional Director, Soft Touch Spa Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates
The certified ayurvedic consultant will answer health-related beauty queries exclusively for readers of Friday.
Email friday@gulfnews.com
Fax 04 344 1627
Write to Well-being, Friday, PO Box 6519, Gulf News, Dubai, UAE
