Your knees are the largest joints in your body, and when you think about how many times a day they bend and straighten, it probably won’t surprise you to learn that knee pain is one of the most common joint complaints. Our experts at Dr. Louis Keppler & Associates treat knee pain on a regular basis, and we suggest these four lifestyle habits that can help keep your knees moving with less pain.
1. Build an exercise habit
Exercise that strengthens the muscles supporting your knees helps build stability. If you’re beginning to have pain in your knees, it may be tempting to skip your workout, but that won’t do you any favors.
Look for activities that are less stressful for your knees. For example, swimming may be a better option for you than something like playing basketball. Other options include using an elliptical machine, rowing, or cycling.
To specifically build the muscles that support your knees, focus on strengthening your hips, core, hamstrings, and quadriceps. If you’re unsure what kinds of exercises you can do safely, talk to our staff. We can help you develop a routine that’s safe and helps you strengthen the muscles that protect your knees.
2. Focus on flexibility and mobility
If your knees hurt when you fully extend your leg, you may begin avoiding that full extension. Over time your range of motion may decrease.
Your joints become stiffer with age, but by focusing on exercises and stretches designed to increase your flexibility and maintain your range of motion, you may be able to keep your knees moving comfortably.
3. Make sure your shoes fit well
You probably associate poorly fitting shoes more with foot pain than with knee pain, but when your shoes aren’t properly supportive, they can cause knee problems. In order to function without pain, your knees need to be aligned with your hips and ankles.
Choose shoes that provide support, have enough room for your toes, and help you balance. Wearing the right shoes can help you avoid pain in your feet, knees, and back, so there are many benefits.
4. Maintain a healthy weight
Each extra pound you carry adds stress to your knees. Even if you’re only a few pounds overweight, losing the extra can relieve knee pain.
Eating a balanced diet, limiting treats, and exercising regularly are the best ways to lose weight. Making small changes in your day-to-day habits is more likely to lead to weight-loss success than trying to make huge, wholesale changes in every part of your life.
Get advice from experts
These four tips can help lower the amount of pain you’re feeling, but if you have knee issues, it’s critically important to seek medical care. Our providers can help you understand why your knees hurt, and offer further suggestions tailored to your specific situation.
If you live in or around Independence, Ohio, schedule an appointment at Dr. Louis Keppler & Associates to discuss your knee pain. Give us a call at 234-430-0079, and we’ll get your appointment booked.
