The use of canes, splints, or braces may be necessary to protect a joint from further injury. Exercise doesn’t have to be hard to be beneficial. In fact, gentle, low-impact exercises are best for knee arthritis. They minimize stress on the joint as they increase its flexibility and strength. Knowing when to manage osteoarthritis joint pain at home and when to seek specialty care is essential. “If you’re experiencing joint pain for more than 2 weeks, it’s important to consult a doctor to discuss the best course of action,” Turkas said.
If you have osteoarthritis of the knee, consider adding strength training exercises for the quadricep, hamstring and calf muscles. Among the various types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). In this article, we look at some exercises that can help with OA of the knee. Alternately, find exercises that help with RA pain here and exercise tips for people with PsA here. The best exercise program for anyone depends on their individual needs, and a doctor can provide detailed advice about how much exercise to do and which activities work best.
Try other activities, too, to work different muscles. There’s an inevitability when it comes to osteoarthritis claiming residence within your knees. The wear-and-tear of daily life simply chews away at the shock-absorbing cartilage in your joints over the years.
The first step is flexibility exercise to improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and help prevent tightening of the tissues around the joint. While both treatments show promise, clinical studies have yet to confirm their value in treating osteoarthritis. Acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate specific body areas to relieve pain or temporarily numb an area.
Living with osteoarthritis in the knees can be challenging, but incorporating exercise into your treatment plan can help improve mobility and reduce pain. Here are some effective exercises to consider:
1. Low-Impact Cardio
If you start to feel unwell stop these exercises immediately. With the right treatment, you can get the relief you need to better manage your symptoms and stay active. They can do this through open or minimally invasive surgery. Factors such as activity level and the overall health of the individual help doctors to determine whether this is the best surgical option.
Activities such as swimming, biking, or using an elliptical machine can help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint without putting too much pressure on it.
2. Strength Training
Cope, 76, a retiree who splits her time between New York and Florida, soon went the knee-replacement route. When participating in strength training, always start with lightweight or resistance and gradually increase the weight over time as you build up strength. Some doctors are trying botulinum to help treat joint pain. The theory is that it might permanently deaden nerves and offer relief. But it wouldn’t affect the knee’s structure.
Focusing on strengthening the muscles in the legs can help support the knee joint and decrease stress on it. Exercises like leg presses, squats, and lunges are beneficial.
People with severely bowed knees or knock knees are more prone to developing arthritis. That’s because you are overloading one side of the knee joint if your knee is mal-aligned. If you had a meniscus removed because of a tear, you are also at an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis.
3. Flexibility Exercises
Gentle stretches can help improve flexibility in the knee joint and surrounding muscles. Yoga or tai chi are great options for improving range of motion.
4. Balance Exercises
Improving balance can help prevent falls and further injury to the knee. Exercises like standing on one leg or using a balance board can be beneficial.
FAQs about Osteoarthritis Knee Treatment Exercise
Q: How often should I do these exercises?
A: It’s recommended to exercise at least 3-4 times a week to see improvements in mobility and pain relief.
Q: Can I still exercise if my knee is in pain?
A: It’s important to listen to your body. If you experience severe pain during exercise, stop and consult with a healthcare provider.
By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can effectively manage osteoarthritis in the knees and improve your quality of life. Remember to always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program.
