For every pound you lose, there’s four times less pressure and stress on your knees. Walking is a great low-impact way to help you lose extra weight, Albayda says. But if you exercise, it can eventually make your knees feel better. Likewise, hip pain that radiates down the legs can also originate in the sacroiliac (SI) joint, rather than the hip joint.
There are several things you can do to make sure walking doesn’t cause you too much discomfort. In addition to what we just mentioned, including exercises that focus on building strength and flexibility can be really useful in reducing knee pain and making your joints healthier overall. Lots of people have a habit of slouching or leaning forward while walking, and this can put extra pressure on your knees.
Do you experience knee pain that seems to improve when you walk? Many people find relief from their knee discomfort when they are in motion, only to have it return when they are at rest. This phenomenon can be puzzling, but there are several reasons why walking may temporarily alleviate your knee pain.
If the muscles aren’t flexible, the knee joint sometimes won’t move properly, says Dr. Elson. But some knee injuries and medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis, can lead to increasing pain, joint damage and disability if left untreated. And having a knee injury — even a minor one — makes it more likely that you’ll have similar injuries in the future. Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common kinds of arthritis. It’s the “wear and tear” kind that usually affects people over 50.
It’s important to let your arms swing naturally while you walk because it helps your body stay balanced and keeps your walking pace smooth. However, be careful not to cross your arms in front of your body or swing them too much. Doing this can throw off your balance and could possibly hurt your knees.
Above all else, listen to your body and stop immediately if you’re in severe pain or experiencing other unusual symptoms. Some people call it “wear and tear” arthritis, and it’s common in the hands, hips, and knees. It’s caused by cartilage damage, which happens when the connective tissue that protects your joints and bones ruptures.
Along with this feeling, they might also hear a clicking or snapping sound coming from their knee. When someone hurts their knee, it can cause a lot of trouble when it comes to doing everyday things. One big sign that there’s a problem is when it’s hard to put weight on the hurt knee. This means that when you try to walk or stand on that leg, it hurts a lot and feels wobbly. It can be so bad that you might have to walk with a limp or use special tools like crutches or a cane to help you move around.
Increased Blood Flow and Lubrication
When you walk, the movement of your legs helps to increase blood flow to your knees. This enhanced circulation can bring necessary nutrients and oxygen to the affected areas, promoting healing and reducing discomfort. Additionally, walking stimulates the production of synovial fluid, which serves as a lubricant for your joints. This increased lubrication can ease friction and reduce knee pain while you are on the move.
Engagement of Supporting Muscles
Walking engages various muscles in your legs, including those around your knees. These muscles provide support and stability to your knees, helping to distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on the joint. By strengthening these supporting muscles through walking, you can improve the overall function of your knees and decrease the likelihood of experiencing knee pain in the future.
Distraction from Discomfort
Walking can also serve as a distraction from your knee pain. As you focus on the act of walking and the sights and sounds around you, your brain may pay less attention to the discomfort in your knees. This temporary shift in focus can provide relief from pain sensations and make your knee pain feel more manageable while you are active.
In conclusion, if you find that your knee pain is better when walking, it is likely due to a combination of factors such as increased blood flow, engagement of supporting muscles, and distraction from discomfort. While walking may offer temporary relief, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to address the root cause of your knee pain and develop a comprehensive treatment plan for long-term relief. Remember to listen to your body and adjust your activity level as needed to protect your knees and overall joint health.
