Do you Suffer with Pain from Knee Arthritis?
The symptoms of knee arthritis, such as knee joint pain, stiffness, restriction of movement and a creaking noise known as ‘Crepitus’ can severely affect everyday activities such as stair climbing and gardening. Knee Arthritis can severely reduce quality of life to such a degree that knee replacement surgery eventually becomes inevitable.
How can you get Relief from Knee Arthritis?
Knee Arthritis needn’t compromise your lifestyle if it is managed sensibly. There is always something that can be done for Knee Arthritis. With supervised medical care it’s possible for you to manage your knee joint pain and live an active, healthy life.
What can you do?
The key to managing knee joint Arthritis with exercise is to establish a sensible, regular routine. Too much activity can cause painful knee joint flare ups, while inactivity can lead to a gradual deterioration of the condition of the joint. A little exercise each day will be tolerated better than longer, irregular sessions.
Exercise can also improve general health by working the heart and lungs. Exercise also maintains bone health, improves digestion, controls body weight, relieves stress and improves sleep.
Weight Bearing Exercises
Weight bearing exercise, such as running or dancing are best avoided as they place too much load bearing stress on the joint surfaces. This can speed up knee joint degeneration. Non weight bearing activities such as cycling or swimming are more appropriate, although swimming breast stroke can cause irritation of the knee and many people find that running in water using a Buoyancy Belt is more comfortable.
Maintain Knee Joint Movement
Maintaining knee joint movement helps to relieve knee stiffness and improves nutrition to the joint surfaces. This helps to slow the progress of Knee Arthritis. Knee movement can be maintained by taking the joint fully straight, then fully bent and holding it there for a few seconds.
Maintain Muscle Strength
By maintaining muscle strength in the Quadriceps (located at the front of the thigh) and Hamstrings (located at the back of the thigh), then the knee joint has more protection from further damage. Muscle strength is also important as it makes everyday activities easier. Core Strength Exercises can help to maintain muscle strength around the knee.