**Walking** is often considered a low-impact exercise that is gentle on the joints, but for some people, it can actually **cause knee pain**. This is especially true for individuals who may be walking on hard surfaces or uneven terrain for prolonged periods of time. The repetitive motion of walking can put strain on the knees, leading to discomfort and pain.
How Walking Contributes to Knee Pain
Check out these quad and hamstring exercises to strengthen bad knees. You may also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve swelling if recommended by a doctor. If symptoms persist after three days despite this treatment or if your pain worsens, consider talking with a doctor. If you have symptoms for more than three days, you may have an injury that needs medical attention. Doctors may recommend more involved treatment methods depending on the cause of your pain.
When you walk, your knees bear the brunt of your body weight with each step. Over time, this constant impact can lead to wear and tear on the knee joints, causing inflammation and pain. Additionally, if you have poor alignment or mechanics while walking, you may be putting extra stress on certain parts of the knee, exacerbating any existing issues.
Some individuals experiencing lower back and knee pain may identify a connection between these two conditions. Pain in one area can result in changes to posture, walking gait, and movement. For example, ACL tears often need surgical intervention to repair the torn ligament. Anyone experiencing lower back pain after an injury should visit a doctor.
This exercise is very safe for people of all ages, and helps to stretch tight muscles, and loosen stiffen joints which should reduce discomfort behind the knee. The second type of pain is commonly caused by a condition called Osteoarthritis which causes joints to become painful and stiff. It usually affects people over the age of 50, and it’s the most common type of arthritis in the UK. You may develop inner knee pain due to a health condition like osteoarthritis or a sudden injury.
Preventing Knee Pain While Walking
Taking over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help to reduce the pain and swelling. Of note, NSAIDs, specifically naproxen, have been shown to be especially effective in decreasing PFS pain and is the first-line treatment of osteoarthritis. The meniscus is a rubbery c-shaped piece of cartilage that cushions the knee. When the meniscus is torn abruptly it can cause your leg to lock up and impact your ability to walk, but more often than not the cartilage in your knee is damaged over time due to wear and tear. This is when standing knee pain can become a problem. Cardio exercises strengthen the muscles of the heart, but not the joints.
Because this pressure causes the pain, your symptoms may get worse as the day goes on. If the pain is a symptom of a more serious condition, such as advanced osteoarthritis or a ruptured tendon, a person may need stronger medications or even surgery. Rehabilitative therapy can also help alleviate knee pain. Knee pain when bending the leg has many causes, including hamstring strain, knee bursitis, and osteoarthritis. There are several home remedies a person can use to ease pain, such as using hot and cold therapy, in addition to resting and wearing a support.
People at risk of developing hamstring strain include sprinters, soccer players, or anyone who puts a lot of force on their hamstrings. When someone injures their hamstrings, they may feel pain in the back of the knee, around the buttocks, thigh, and lower leg. Some individuals may need a total knee replacement surgery. This may be necessary after an extreme injury or for a severe case of knee arthritis.
Walking is a great low-impact way to help you lose extra weight, Albayda says. There are a number of conditions that can cause joint pain aside from an injury, such as arthritis or overuse. Injuries from falls and direct blows to the knee may also cause joint pain. The most common types of knee-related injuries include fractures, as well as sprains, dislocations, and ligament tears.
To prevent **knee pain** while walking, it’s important to pay attention to your form and technique. Make sure you are wearing supportive shoes with good cushioning to absorb shock. It’s also helpful to vary your walking surface to reduce strain on the knees. If you are experiencing persistent knee pain while walking, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for an evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
