Osteoarthritic knee pain generally manifests as a diffuse ache over the middle of the joint. It is worse with weight bearing tasks such as long walks and can be painful to bend and straighten at times. The Physio Depot are here to help manage your symptoms and provide an effective treatment plan.
What is oesteoarthritis of the knee?
The knee is made up two joints called the tibiofemoral (femur and shin) and the patellofemoral (knee cap) joint. When we experience wear and tear between these joints over time the cartilage surface becomes exposed and starts to break down. This breakdown causes less shock absorption and increased friction between the bones which can cause pain, stiffness and decreased functional capacity.
What causes knee osteoarthritis?
While ages is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis of the knee, young people are not necessarily immune. For some individuals, it may be hereditary, for others, injury, infection, illness of being overweight can be causes.
5 Quick Tips to improve your knee joint health
- Keep moving
General exercise is the easiest way to warn off arthritic aches and pains. Low impact loading is important to maintain bone mineral density and joint health. Walking, cycling, aqua aerobics and cycling are common favourites for managing knee osteoarthritis.
- Improve your knee strength locally and globally
Quadriceps strength is the number one target for knee arthritis this helps promote shock absorption and create stability around the knee. Gradually advancing your local quadriceps strengthening and mastering functional movements to improve hamstring, gluteal and core stability will all help improve knee symptoms.
- Activity modification
High impact loading, jumping and HITT classes are not going to be the safest choice for an arthritic knee. This high intensity and impact loading tends to aggravate symptoms. Unless you have adequate strength around the knee, these activities will tend to make your symptoms work. Cycling, swimming and low impact exercise is preferable for your knee health to have a lasting result.
- Maximise your flexibility
A basic stretching routine can help maintain normal joint range of motion. A direct consequence of knee arthritis is generally joint stiffness, so getting into a daily stretching routine can help maintain joint range and flexibility.
- Weight loss
Weight gain has direct consequence on joint loading and joint wear. Weight loss shows a direct decrease in knee joint loading which is only going to hold up that knee replacement a little longer.
Good luck with getting your knees happy, healthy and strong!!