One of the biggest mistakes we see patients with knee pain make is to start using their knees less. For example, if you have osteoarthritis and it hurts to move your knee, you may think it's best to rest your joint and let it heal. However, it is important to seek guidance from a Knee Pain Specialist near South River NJ as resting does not promote healing, but rather allows the structures that support the joints to weaken. Walking is an excellent exercise, not only for the knee, but also for the cardiovascular system. Many cardiologists suggest that a brisk 30-minute walk three times a week is more beneficial to the heart than high-intensity gymnastics exercises. It's worth remembering that if you have one overweight stone, you're putting the equivalent of 10 stones of excess weight on your knee joint when you climb or descend stairs or do squats and lunges.
If you're overweight, take steps such as diet and exercise to start losing weight. Omega-3 supplements may also be beneficial for joints, as can turmeric, a powerful natural anti-inflammatory that helps reduce joint pain associated with inflammation, as in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. When sitting or driving, keep your leg at a 45° angle instead of flexing it at 90° (as you can automatically do with your left leg when driving an automatic car). In addition, adjust the seat so that the right leg is at a more relaxed angle, instead of being very flexed and bent at 90°. If you feel knee pain when you sit, be sure to sit with your knee at 45° instead of 90° or higher, as this reduces static force on the joint.
King Edward VII Hospital, 5-10 Beaumont Street, Marylebone, London W1G 6AA. Ignoring knee pain and continuing high-impact activities without addressing the root cause can aggravate existing knee problems and lead to more joint damage. Getting the right amount of exercise, the right way, is key to preventing knee pain. Not exercising enough or exercising too much can cause knee discomfort.
If you exercise too much, it can wear down your knee joints. Excessive exercise can be the result of too much activity, but it can also be due to the wrong type of activity. When you exercise, be sure to take time to stretch and choose the right exercise regimen for your specific health needs. If you need suggestions, talk to Dr. Harris about the types of exercise that are best for you. Low-impact options, such as swimming or water aerobics, may be a better option than high-impact activities, such as running or playing sports.
In contrast, athletes, especially those preparing for marathons or similar events, are often more proactive. They are motivated by a personal interest in maintaining optimal performance, which drives them to address any annoying feelings promptly. They understand that physical therapy can help. Cardio exercises strengthen your heart muscles, but not your joints.
It's weight training combined with keeping muscles flexible. Cardiovascular exercise is important for maintaining a stable weight and for you to feel stronger in general. When it comes to cardiovascular exercise, some good options are walking, swimming, water aerobics, riding a stationary bike and using elliptical machines. Tai chi can also help alleviate stiffness and improve balance.
The good news is that, if you recognize these small knee errors and make some adjustments to your lifestyle, you can considerably reduce the risk of knee problems and alleviate existing discomfort.
