Knee Strengthening Exercises For Osteoarthritis

How To Practice Walking Or Running Up Stairs

Although walking up and down stairs may hurt, it can be a good strengthening exercise for your leg and hip muscles.

Theres another benefit to exercise, and thats having a protective effect on joint or articular cartilage. This is extremely important for slowing the onset of osteoarthritis.

Think of articular cartilage as a protective covering for your joints.

Articular cartilage functions as a shock absorber and also reduces friction between bones where they meet at joints. As a person ages, this cartilage can wear away, leading to joint pain and swelling, or osteoarthritis.

Research shows that loading of the articular cartilage maintains the health of the cartilage and that avoidance of loading, aka exercise, results in atrophy, or thinning of the articular cartilage.

To safely climb steps:

• Take your time. A slow and steady approach can help you maintain your stability.
• Use the railing for support. If you currently use a cane, talk to your physical therapist about how to best use it while on stairs.

For a low-impact alternative, try using a stair stepper machine. When using a stair stepper, keep the following in mind:

• Start with a shorter workout and increase the duration over time. Doing too much too quickly can be harmful.
• Adjust the height of the rise to suit your needs. Bell advises that you start small and gradually work your way up to a higher step.
• Use the railing for support, as needed. Be careful not to lean on the rails.

General Tips For Knee Osteoarthritis Exercise

Warm up with some light stretches or a gentle 10-minute walk before beginning your exercise routine. The Arthritis Foundation has videos of good warm-up and cool-down exercises you can try.

You may want to wear sweatpants to help keep your joints and muscles warm. You can also use a moist heating pack or pad on your stiff knee about 15 minutes before exercise.

Proper Oseteoarthritis Treatment Includes Exercise

There’s no cure for osteoarthritis, but there is a lot you can do to slow its progression, reduce pain, and maintain or improve function. Losing weight can be particularly helpful if you’re overweight or obese. You can often relieve pain with over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , including ibuprofen and aspirin. The use of canes, splints, or braces may be necessary to protect a joint from further injury.

But if there’s one osteoarthritis treatment an individual with osteoarthritis should do every day, it’s exercise. Regular exercise strengthens muscles and improves flexibility and balance. It not only helps ease pain and stiffness but also improves overall health. It’s also good for your mood and for staving off other conditions prevalent in older age.

Exercise as an integral part of prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis, especially in people ages 65 and over. After reviewing the evidence, the group also concluded that moderate-intensity exercise does not as some have feared increase the risk for osteoarthritis.

Research suggests that older women may be able to prevent osteoarthritis pain by getting as little as one to two hours of moderately intense physical activity each week. Lack of exercise may contribute directly to osteoarthritis, especially by causing the atrophy of supportive and shock-absorbing muscles, such as those surrounding the knee.

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Things To Avoid In Knee With Osteoarthritis

• Avoid precipitating activities at all stages.
• Reduce stair climbing.
• Avoid floor sitting.
• Activities modification such as the use of western toilet, while sitting in the floor use long sitting position.

If conservative management does not respond and the patient continues to complain of severe pain then surgical knee replacement is the only option left.

How Did The Results Of The Cochrane Systematic Review Apply To Mr S

Exercise is recommended as part of the first-line care for OA, and results of the Cochrane review support the use of exercise. Mr S himself stated that he had no regular exercise routine, and his goal was to be shown an appropriate exercise regimen that would help him improve his ability to walk and decrease his pain.

Mr S started on an exercise program that included quadriceps and gluteal muscle strengthening exercises and calf and hamstring muscle stretches. The dose for the strengthening and stretching exercises was established based on examination findings, and the exercises were progressed to more challenging functional exercises with increased resistance as he improved. These exercises included sit-to-stand exercises, step exercises with emphasis on good lower-limb alignment, and resisted gluteus medius muscle exercises in a standing position with a blue Thera-Band. After 4 weeks, he was able to commence a progressively paced walking program, starting with 20 minutes on alternate days. If there was no increase in his symptoms, Mr S was instructed to increase the walk by 5 minutes at a time until he was comfortably managing 45 minutes. He also had borrowed a stationary bicycle and was encouraged to use it for up to 20 minutes 3 times a week. In conjunction, at his first treatment, Mr S was given education on OA and the importance of self-management strategies .

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How Well Do The Outcomes Of The Intervention Provided To Mr S Match Those Suggested In The Systematic Review

After 8 weeks of strengthening, stretching, and progressive walking and bicycle exercises, Mr S reported a decrease in his pain. His physical function improved. The decrease in pain on the visual analog scale and improvement in physical function on the Patient-Specific Functional Scale were greater than the minimal clinically important difference for each scale, . Mr S reported that he was now able to walk for almost an hour before needing to rest and rarely needed to use his walking stick.

What Exercises Should You Avoid For Hip And Knee Osteoarthritis

Experts used to ban high-impact exercises, such as running and jumping, for people with hip and knee OA. The idea was that they could overload and damage the joint. But the opposite may be true for people with mild to moderate OA. âThe impact may stimulate cells that repair in the cartilage,â Oswald says.

But this doesnât mean that you can hop on a treadmill right away. If youâre just starting out, you need to build up your strength and endurance first. This can prevent injury. âThen slowly add in high-impact exercises,â Robertson says. âFor instance, begin with just 5 minutes of jogging.â

Is your OA severe? Chances are youâll need to steer clear of high-impact exercise altogether. Be cautious about the following workouts check with your doctor if youâre able to do them.

• Running, especially on uneven surfaces
• Tennis, basketball, and other activities where you change direction quickly
• Step aerobics and other workouts that involve jumping

Show Sources

Eric Robertson, DPT, physical therapist associate professor of clinical physical therapy, University of Southern California spokesperson, American Physical Therapy Association.

William Oswald, DPT, physical therapist clinical instructor of rehabilitation medicine, NYU Langone Health.

Arina Garg, MD, rheumatology fellow, The Center for Excellence for Arthritis and Rheumatology, Louisiana University Health Sciences Center.

Arthritis Foundation: âStanding Hip Flexors and Quadriceps Stretches.â

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Functional And Strength Improvements

Functional change may be assessed using self-report instruments or objective functional tests. Disability questionnaires may ask objective questions of perceived ability, or have distinct activity subscales relating to ambulation, stair climbing, transfer activities, upper extremity tasks, basic activities of daily living, and complex activities of daily living. Objective functional tests used in these studies include: stair climb and descent times, picking up and carrying a 10 pound weight, and timed task of getting in and out of a simulated car. Longer tasks include the six minute walk and walking endurance on an aerobic treadmill test.

Summary of main effects of resistance exercise on key musculoskeletal mechanisms underlying knee OA.

Active Heel Slide Exercises

Active Heel Drag is an important exercise to maintain the range of motion of the knee joint.

How to do Active Heel Slide?

To do this exercise Lie flat on your back on the soft mat or bed with place your arms at your sidesNow you can gradually Slide your heel as close to your buttocks. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, Then gradually straighten the leg.Only bend your knee to a limit that is pain-free range and comfort.Repeat on the other leg.You may feel a slight stretch in or around your knee, but it must be pain-free.For each exercise, do 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions. Rest for up to 2 to 3 minutes between sets.2 times daily.Gradually increases the repetition as you improve after a few days.

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Stretching Exercises For Knee Osteoarthritis

Stretching can help minimize the loss of flexibility in and around your knee. You want to make sure youre stretching your hamstrings, quads, calves and hip flexors to help address any stiffness you might feel, says Dr. Orlandi.

Examples include:

• Hamstring stretch. Stand in front of a chair or steps. Place your right foot on the chair or step, with your heel on the surface and toes pointed up. Slowly bend forward at the waist, keeping your back as straight as possible. You should feel the stretch in the back of your thigh. Hold for a few at least 10 seconds before returning to standing. Alternate feet and repeat 5-10 times.
• Quad stretch. While standing, bend your left leg back, bringing your heel toward your butt. Grab your foot with your left hand and hold. Try to bring your left thigh back until its even with your right thigh. Hold for at least 10 seconds. Alternate legs and repeat 5-10 times.
• Calf raises. Stand on a step with your heels hanging over the edge. Rise up on your toes and then slowly drop your heels down until theyre below the level of the step. Hold for at least 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times.

Give yoga a try, too, to keep your joints and muscles in tip-top shape.

Knee Oa Exercise #: Seated Leg Raise

The seated leg raise exercise helps strengthen muscles around your knees.

• Sit on a chair with both legs bent at 90°.
• Slowly raise your right leg so that it’s parallel to the floor, keeping your left foot on the ground.
• Hold for 30 seconds, then slowly bring the right foot back to the floor, and repeat on left leg.
• Do 10 times twice a day.

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Easy Exercises For Knee With Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis knee pain is the most frequent reason for knee pain, disability, and loss of function at the age of 45 and above. According to a study, OA is a major public health concern worldwide over the past decades. Though osteoarthritis can affect other joints as well like the hand and hip, but, it frequently affects the knee joint. The study also gives emphasis on the importance of exercise and lifestyle as there is no nonsurgical intervention that can prevent, halt, or even delay the progression of this disorder. Moreover, the available medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs come with side effects like the risk of myocardial infarction or death from cardiovascular causes1. To minimise the acuteness of hydrocortisone knee injections might be administered during which exercises are encouraged.

In this article, we will discuss the simple yet effective exercises for knee with osteoarthritis that anyone can learn and perform at home. So, let us get started.

Can You Apply The Results Of The Cochrane Systematic Review To Your Own Patients

The findings of the Cochrane review apply well to Mr S. He had specific deficits that could be addressed with exercise, he was keen for an exercise program to improve his deteriorating condition, and he subsequently benefited from the program. As a person who is middle aged and has moderate symptoms compounded by lifestyle factors , Mr S is not atypical of the patients with OA seen by physical therapists. Therefore, benefits from exercise can be expected from most patients who follow an exercise program. The Cochrane review shows that variations in the delivery, content, and dosage do not influence outcomes, except that a higher number of contact sessions leads to greater effects, meaning that physical therapists can adapt the exercises to the individual patient .

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Osteoarthritis Of The Knee: What Can I Do To Strengthen My Knees

Strength and mobility exercises are among the most important things people with osteoarthritis can do for their knees. These exercises can relieve pain, strengthen the joints, and improve joint function. Theres no need to worry about damaging your joints if you do the right kind of exercises.

Many people with osteoarthritis avoid sports and exercise for fear of putting additional strain on their joints and wearing them out faster. But theres no need to worry about that: In fact, lack of movement is bad for the joints. For one thing, movement is important for the metabolic processes in the joint cartilage. Also, exercise can strengthen muscles, improve joint stability, and increase range of motion. This not only protects the knee but also helps in everyday life for example, when climbing stairs or getting up from a chair.

Even if your joints hurt, its usually best to keep moving. But many people who have painful and stiff joints find that hard to do. Thats why its very important to find the right type of exercise that you enjoy, too. Exercising in a group can help to motivate you.

Retrieval Of Published Studies

A comprehensive search was undertaken in the Medline, Pubmed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PEDro databases and the Cochrane controlled trials register to identify RCTs of exercise. Medical subject headings used were osteoarthritis, knee combined with exercise or exercise therapy. Search terms were exploded. Reference lists from retrieved publications and review articles identified by the search strategy above were also searched. The computerised searches covered the period 1966 to September 2003. Hard copies of retrieved publications were obtained.

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Knee Strengthening Exercises For Osteoarthritis

• AposHealth Staff

When everyday activities make your arthritic knee feel stiff and sore, exercising your knee may seem like the last thing youd want to do. However, regular exercise can be helpful for managing osteoarthritic knee pain. Studies show that exercise can be a good way to manage pain and improve function.

Ankle Foot Toe Movement

For this exercise, our starting position would be the same as the previous exercise we have to sit in a long sitting position and then simply move our ankle foot and toe into flexion and extension motion. You have to bend it and straighten it as a number of times as possible, this will cause the action of the muscles on the lower leg.

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Easy Exercises For Knee Arthritis

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How exercise helps knee arthritis

Arthritis affects millions of people around the world. Two of the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis . Both types often lead to knee pain.

Exercising an arthritic knee may seem counterintuitive, but regular exercise can actually lessen and even relieve arthritis pain and other symptoms, such as stiffness and swelling.

There are several reasons to exercise with knee arthritis:

• Exercise maintains the joints full range of motion.
• Exercise strengthens the muscles that support the joint.
• Strong muscles help the joint absorb shock.

Exercise doesnt have to be hard to be beneficial. In fact, gentle, low-impact exercises are best for knee arthritis. They minimize stress on the joint as they increase its flexibility and strength. Learn more about osteoarthritis here.

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Getting Up From A Chair Without Help

• Sit on a chair with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle, legs slightly apart.
• Cross your arms in front of your chest and slightly lean your upper body forward.
• Now slowly stand up and sit back down without using your arms.
• Repeat for a minute, then take a quick break and try to keep doing the exercise for a bit longer.

Over time, you can do more and more repeats. The lower the chair, the harder the exercise. Its best to place the chair against a wall to make sure that it stays in place.

Standing up and sitting down

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Straight Leg Raise In Side Lying

So this is also a straight leg raise but it is performed in the side-lying position and this exercise is aimed to strengthen the muscles on the outer side of our thigh that is the abductors group of muscles. So come to the side-lying position keep both of your legs straight and then raise your leg up to 30 degrees without bending the knee. Hold this position for 5 seconds then lower it down to normal position, repeat this process for a minimum of 10 to 15 times in one leg.

Then change your position come to the other side lying position and then repeat the same process on the other leg. Raise it and hold it for 5 seconds and then lower it down and repeat 10 to 15 times in a single session.