Staying Active With Knee Osteoarthritis: Our Top Tips
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disorder that results in pain and loss of function. Your knees are the largest joints in your body and among the most complex, so given their loads, they are often the focal point of arthritis pain.
Though osteoarthritis is degenerative and without a cure, you can stay active with treatment and self-care. Bahri Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic provides the medical attention you need to thrive while living with arthritis.
With this in mind, we’ve gathered our top tips for staying active once osteoarthritis affects your knees. Here’s what you need to know.
How osteoarthritis affects the knee
Cartilage covers the ends of bones where they meet in joints, and it’s here that the first signs of osteoarthritis appear. Cartilage begins to wear down, exposing you to painful bone-on-bone contact.
Osteoarthritis usually begins due to cumulative wear and tear on the joint, either naturally through your daily activities, with perhaps an injury or two happening along the way. Apart from knee replacement surgery, there’s no way to stop the progression of osteoarthritis.
Staying active with knee osteoarthritis
However, a diagnosis of arthritis in the knee doesn’t mean an end to your active years. Though pain symptoms might suggest to you that you should slow down and stay off your feet, this is perhaps the worst course of action when it comes to living with osteoarthritis.
Low-impact activities and well-chosen exercises are the best ways to control pain and maintain mobility. You can even slow the progress of your condition while continuing to enjoy an active lifestyle. Here’s a list of our top tips for you to consider.
- Control your weight: every pound you lose reduces the forces your knees must support
- Stay hydrated: the synovial fluid in your knee can lose volume through dehydration
- Low-impact exercise: Aerobic, flexibility, and strength exercises can all help your knees as well as your general health
- Footwear: choosing comfortable, supportive shoes or custom orthotics can cushion impact reaching the knees as well as maintain knee alignment if you have foot arch issues
- Protect your knees: choose lower-impact versions of your favorite activities when possible
- Use a brace: braces may restrict mobility of the knee joint, helping to prevent strains or over-extensions
- Treat new pain promptly: use the RICE method of rest, ice, compression, and elevation
- Posture: your body’s form influences loads on your knees, so practice keeping a balanced posture throughout the day
- Biomechanics: form is also important in the motions you perform when you’re active, so keep an eye on technique during exercise and play
- Balanced nutrition: the best way to stay nourished is through the foods you eat, so a healthy diet of lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and controlled amounts of healthy fats will help your body maintain your knees
- Heed your body: if something feels different or off with your knees or their mobility, follow up with us promptly
Maintaining your mobility and freedom from pain requires a partnership between you and the Bahri Orthopedics & Sports Clinic team. Call or click to request an appointment with our nearest location today.