If you suffer from knee joint pain, you know how debilitating it can be. From simple daily activities like walking to more strenuous exercises, the pain can affect your quality of life. However, there is hope. Incorporating specific exercises into your routine can help alleviate knee joint pain and improve mobility.
Weight training and resistance exercises are good, but you must do them with good form, he says. Walking also is helpful, Stewart says, as is swimming or aqua aerobics. Tighten your thigh muscles in your lifted leg and slowly move it in the direction shown. Turn your body 90 degrees to begin the next exercise in the series. Stretching the muscles that you strengthen is an important part of preventing injury. Strengthening exercises build muscle to help support your knee, but can also tighten the muscles.
Anyone with severe knee pain should consult a healthcare professional before trying to exercise. Lie on your back with one leg bent and the other straight. Tighten the thigh muscles in your straight leg and slowly lift it until it is about a foot off the floor. As you get stronger, gradually increase the number of exercise repetitions or add weight to an exercise.
They can improve heart and lung health, help control weight, and increase energy. Stand next to a kitchen counter or the back of a chair for support. With your feet shoulder-width apart, squat down to a comfortable distance, keeping your body weight on your heels. Use only your legs — do not use arms to pull up and lower yourself down. As people get used to their arthritis exercises, they should try adding them into daily activities. Many exercises can be done during household chores or while sitting at a desk.
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart (near a wall or chair for stability if needed). Raise both heels off of the ground to stand on the balls of your feet. The Arthritis Foundation offers exercise programs around the United States for people with arthritis.
This movement may seem complex at first, but it’s crucial for managing knee pain. If you’re not sure if you’re doing it right, this demonstration will help you out. It’s normal to feel some pressure on the knees. But if it’s too uncomfortable, try adjusting the position of your feet – turn them a bit outwards/inwards or closer/further to the wall. To increase difficulty, hold the leg up for a few seconds. Also, if you have lateral knee pain that worsens with this exercise, it’s best to stop and move on to another movement the next.
You may wish to do all the exercises together or start with one or two and add more as you get more comfortable. This guide can help you to understand if you’re exercising at the right level. It’ll also let you see how much pain or discomfort is acceptable. The exercises in these videos are suitable for most people. If the exercises do cause some discomfort then taking prescribed medication from your GP or pharmacist may help to keep you exercising. A standing hamstring stretch is also an effective way to stretch the backs of the legs, and it is less strenuous for the lower back than toe touches.
Low-Impact Exercises
Low-impact exercises are a great way to strengthen the muscles around your knee joint without putting too much stress on it. Swimming, cycling, and using an elliptical machine are excellent options. These exercises help improve flexibility and range of motion while reducing pain.
Strength Training
Strength training exercises can also be beneficial for knee joint pain. Focus on building up the muscles in your legs, especially the quadriceps and hamstrings. Leg presses, squats, and lunges are effective exercises that can help support your knee joint and prevent further pain.
Stretching
Stretching is crucial for maintaining flexibility in your knee joint. Incorporate stretches for your quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves into your routine. Yoga and Pilates are also great options for improving flexibility and reducing knee joint pain.
Balance and Stability Exercises
Improving balance and stability is essential for preventing falls and reducing knee joint pain. Try exercises like single-leg stands, heel-to-toe walks, and balance board exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee joint and improve proprioception.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise routine, especially if you have existing knee joint pain. Listen to your body and stop any exercise that causes increased pain or discomfort. With consistency and dedication, incorporating these exercises into your routine can help alleviate knee joint pain and improve your overall quality of life.
