Knee pain is a common issue especially as we age or for people who may live a more active lifestyle. But staying active can be tricky if you are dealing with pain and discomfort.
Pain in your knees makes it difficult to do simple activities like walking, jogging or even going up stairs. Even worse if left untreated or un-cared for it can cause our mobility to decline very quickly.
Luckily, there are things we can do to make sure we take proper care of our knees (and legs in general) as we get older. Furthermore, if you already have knee pain, that doesn’t mean that there is nothing you can do.
To help, we’ve put together a few suggestions you can try if you are dealing with knee pain throughout the day and how these things can help improve your mobility if followed correctly.
1). Always remember to keep a micro-bend in the knee joints. Especially as we get tired, we have a tendency to lock out and hyper-extend the knees. Keep a slight bend to stop that from happening and alleviate any possible issues from locking out.
2). Build up the quadriceps, the thigh muscle above the knee. Building these up will ultimately help protect the knee joints.
3). Overall exercise for the entire body, including stretching, will help the knee joints. The good impact we put on the body during exercise helps to build the muscles and strengthen the bones, and in turn helps to strengthen the joints.
4). A knee brace can help stabilize the knee joint area, and allow it to work properly and in the correct direction and proper alignment. Also, the compression can help with any swelling that may occur especially as the day wears on.
5). RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation…if a doctor assesses, and deems necessary, or it is working for you keep it up. Remember to always talk to your doctor if you are having persistent, extensive pain.
And remember to keep moving your body! Modify movements and exercises that are causing pain, and find an exercise type that works best for your knees and body.
Stay happy and healthy and positive always!
Meredith