Knees hurt? You’re not alone. Chronic knee pain is thought to affect up to 25% of adults and can significantly limit your mobility and quality of life. Your knee is a hinge-joint that primarily moves back and forth (flexion and extension) and allows some twisting or rotation. Every step you take places stress and strain on your knees, so it’s no surprise that trauma, misalignment, and degenerative changes can all take their toll. The cartilage in your knee is designed to last a lifetime if you take care of it. Yes, knee pain may not be entirely preventable, but there are steps you can take to keep your knees as healthy as possible.
Watching your weight is at the top of the list. For every pound you are overweight, your knee must absorb an extra 4 pounds of pressure when you walk, run, or climb stairs. Here are a few additional ways to keep your knees healthy and strong… Warm-up before exercising. Stretching your quadriceps and hamstrings before and after you exercise is a smart way to reduce the chance of a flare-up of knee pain. Find adequate foot support. Every step you take transfers force from the bottom of your foot to your knee. Therefore, your shoes should provide the support you need to keep your knees healthy for at least 10,000 steps per day. Maintain a full range of motion. Ensuring your low back and hips are moving freely is essential to overall knee health.
It’s not uncommon for people with back issues to find themselves struggling with knee pain after limping around for a few weeks. Cases like that are just one of the many reasons we encourage our patients to be proactive with their health. We encourage you to use the strategies above to help reduce your chances of knee pain. And whether you’re already a patient or still thinking about that first visit, be sure to call or text 614-964-2341, if you’ve been living with knee pain or restricted motion. We’re here to help you get out of pain and back to doing what you love, naturally.
