Episode 62 of SBS's 'Three Perspectives' covers ways to relieve joint pain and maintain free movement. Airing on October 11 at 8:35 a.m., this episode focuses on the impact of poor posture and lifestyle habits on joint health, coinciding with the seasonal rise in knee pain.

■ Sofa, Floor Sitting, and Cross-Legged Postures Strain the Knees

The broadcast particularly examines the everyday habits of middle-aged and older adults. It points out that habits such as leaning back on a sofa, sitting on the floor in a cross-legged style, or sitting cross-legged on a chair place a burden on the knees. Repeatedly maintaining such postures can cause serious damage to the knee joints.

■ From George Washington's Treatment Rod to Maggot Therapy

Docent Lee Chang-yong introduces various joint treatments attempted throughout history, including the metal treatment rod used by George Washington, the first president of the United States; an electric therapy belt developed in 19th-century Britain; and maggot therapy, which was actually used in medical settings to reduce inflammation. However, none of these treatments could repair worn cartilage.

■ Cartilage Is 'Silent Tissue'... By the Time It Hurts, It's Already Serious

The broadcast also addresses the cause of the severe pain felt by arthritis patients. Cartilage has no nerves, making it known as 'silent tissue' that cannot detect pain until the damage becomes severe. This means that by the time knee pain appears, the damage has often progressed to the point where bones are rubbing against each other.

Accordingly, orthopedic specialist Hong Yong-jae emphasized the need to regularly check cartilage and joint condition even in the absence of pain. He noted in particular that Koreans' floor-sitting lifestyle habits can negatively affect knee health. Dr. Hong said, 'You should never just assume your joint health is fine.'

■ Ignoring Pain Risks Nervous System Hypersensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease

Family medicine specialist Yoon Jin-hee explained that if pain is left untreated, the nervous system becomes hypersensitized, causing extreme pain even from minor stimuli. If this state becomes imprinted on the spinal cord and brain, the entire body can suffer from persistent pain. Dr. Yoon emphasized, 'Once pain stimuli are imprinted on the nervous system, the whole body ultimately becomes trapped in pain.'

Experts also warn that dismissing arthritis as mere pain can harm metabolic health, including blood pressure and blood sugar, and even increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack.

The episode features MCs Kim Seok-hoon and So Seul-ji, along with science writer Kwak Jae-sik, docent Lee Chang-yong, orthopedic specialist Hong Yong-jae, and family medicine specialist Yoon Jin-hee.