Many people who experience knee pain wonder whether they should continue walking or if they should rest. It’s a common dilemma, especially for those who enjoy staying active. While it’s important to listen to your body and seek medical advice if needed, there are some general guidelines to consider when deciding whether to walk with knee pain.
Factors to Consider
Exercise can help to eliminate problems that lead to this irritation. Stretches can loosen tight muscles on the side of the knee that may be pulling the kneecap out of its groove as it moves. Strengthening weak hip muscles or stretching tight muscles in the front or back of the legs can also reduce discomfort. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and leads to the “wear and tear” of smooth cartilage that cushions the joints.
It’s painful, impairs movement and causes swelling of the joint. Some people are so disabled by it that they can’t work anymore. Meanwhile, for others, the pain isn’t necessarily as bad, but it still prevents them from regular activities like cleaning, gardening and running after their kids. Try to maintain a healthy weight and avoid activities that put a lot of stress on your knees. Get treatment if you have symptoms of arthritis of the knee. Walking may benefit knee arthritis by decreasing joint stiffness and pain.
Doctors may recommend different treatments depending on the severity of a person’s condition. Along with a rapid onset of pain and swelling, you might also experience fever and chills. Some people find relief by rubbing the affected knee with creams containing a numbing agent, such as lidocaine, or capsaicin, the substance that makes chili peppers hot. Over-the-counter medications — such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) — may help ease knee pain. Knee pain can be caused by injuries, mechanical problems, types of arthritis and other problems.
- Severity of Pain: If your knee pain is mild and doesn’t worsen with walking, it may be safe to continue walking. However, if the pain is severe or sharp, it’s best to avoid putting strain on your knees.
- Underlying Conditions: If you have a history of knee problems or underlying conditions such as arthritis, it’s important to be cautious and consult with a healthcare provider before walking with knee pain.
- Duration of Pain: If the knee pain is new and sudden, it’s advisable to rest and allow your knees to heal. Chronic knee pain that persists over time may require medical attention.
For example, if you have had a fall and hurt your knee, you are better off in your bed giving complete rest to your joint, lest the swelling aggravates. Endometriosis is another possible cause of hip pain that radiates down the legs. It is not as commonly mentioned but is also important to consider. Hip pain that radiates down the leg can occur due to many causes, such as sciatica, arthritis, bursitis, labral tear, greater trochanter pain syndrome, endometriosis, and more. If your symptoms worsen during certain activities or when laying down, this could be an indication to the cause of the pain.
“Trust your body and trust the fact that we are made to move, and motion itself has a healing effect,” Robertson says. “What may feel a little achy at first will have some great results — not only [in] how your knees feel, but in how your whole body feels.” There are many ways that walking helps ease the pain of knee OA.
FAQs
Q: Can walking help relieve knee pain?
A: In some cases, walking can help strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve flexibility, which may alleviate knee pain. However, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase intensity to avoid worsening the pain.
Q: When should I stop walking with knee pain?
A: If walking causes increased pain, swelling, or instability in the knee, it’s best to stop and give your knees a chance to rest and recover. Consult with a healthcare provider if the pain persists.
Ultimately, the decision to walk with knee pain should be based on your individual circumstances and the advice of a healthcare professional. It’s important to prioritize your health and well-being by listening to your body and seeking appropriate treatment when needed.
