Which exercises are recommended for knee osteoarthritis?
February 15, 2022 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Ingo Hoffmann
Dear team of the online consultation,
My name is Hilde Weber and I have been suffering from arthritis in my knee for some time now. The pain has become so severe that it significantly impacts my daily life. I have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and even standing for extended periods of time. Additionally, I also experience some stiffness in my knee joint, especially in the mornings after waking up.
I am worried that the arthritis in my knee will continue to progress and further affect my quality of life. Therefore, I would like to know what exercises could help me alleviate the pain and improve the flexibility in my knee. Are there specific stretching or strengthening exercises that are recommended for knee arthritis? How often should I perform these exercises and how long does it usually take to feel an improvement?
I have already tried various pain medications, but I would like to also do something about the arthritis in my knee through targeted exercises. I would appreciate it if you could recommend some specific exercises that I can do at home to alleviate my symptoms.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Hilde Weber
Dear Hilde Weber,
I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from osteoarthritis in your knee and that the pain is affecting your daily life so much. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease where the cartilage in the joint wears down and the bones rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
It is good that you are interested in targeted exercises in addition to pain medication to alleviate your symptoms and improve the mobility in your knee. In fact, regular exercises can help improve muscle strength and joint stability, which in turn can reduce the strain on the affected knee.
For people with osteoarthritis in the knee, the following exercises are particularly recommended:
1. Stretching exercises: Regularly stretch the muscles around your knee to maintain mobility and reduce stiffness. Examples of stretching exercises include quadriceps stretching, calf stretching, and hamstring stretching.
2. Strengthening exercises: Strengthen the muscles around your knee to relieve the joint and improve stability. Examples of strengthening exercises include leg lifts lying down, squats, and seated leg lifts.
3. Balance exercises: Improve your balance to prevent falls and promote knee stability. Examples of balance exercises include standing on one leg or practicing the tree pose.
It is important to perform the exercises regularly to feel long-term improvement. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of the exercises. It is also best to consult a physiotherapist who can show you exercises tailored to your needs.
I hope this information helps you and wish you all the best on your journey to alleviate your symptoms.
Sincerely,
Ingo Hoffmann
