Understanding and Managing Arthritis
Get your free copy of Guide to Understanding and Managing Arthritis: Causes and Treatments, so you may live better by taking control of your arthritis.
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Q: How Can People Prevent Knee Problems?
A: Some knee problems (such as those resulting from an accident) can’t be prevented. But many knee problems can be prevented by doing the following:
– Warm up before playing sports. Walking and stretching are good warm-up exercises. Stretching
the muscles in the front and the back of the thighs is a good way to warm up the knees.
– Make the leg muscles strong by doing certain exercises (for example, walking up stairs, riding a
stationary bicycle, or working out with weights).
– Avoid sudden changes in the intensity of exercise.
– Increase the force or duration of activity slowly
– Wear shoes that fit and are in good condition.
– Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts pressure on the knees.
Q: What Types of Exercise Are Best for Someone With Knee Problems?
A: Three types of exercise are best for people with arthritis:
– Range-of-motion exercises. These exercises help maintain or increase flexibility. They also help relieve
stiffness in the knee.
– Strengthening exercises. These exercises help maintain or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles
help support and protect joints with arthritis.
– Aerobic or endurance exercises. These exercises improve heart function and blood circulation. They
also help control weight. Some studies show that aerobic exercise can reduce swelling in some joints.
For More Information About Knee Problems and Other Related Conditions:
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and
Skin Diseases (NIAMS) Information Clearinghouse
National Institutes of Health
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892–3675
Phone: 301–495–4484
Toll free: 877–22–NIAMS (226–4267)
TTY: 301–565–2966
Fax: 301–718–6366
Email: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
Web site: http://www.niams.nih.gov