Knee Arthritis - What Can Be Done?

Arthritis in knee joints is a common problem for people over 60 years of age. It occurs as a result of the cartilage at the end of the bones wearing out over the years. Just like a car engine which has parts that wear out because of use, the body also has parts that wear out. For knee joints, the cartilage is located on the ends of the femur and the tibia which makes up the joint. If someone played sport during their younger years and developed a knee injury, the chance of developing problems in later years is significantly increased.

So what can be done about knee arthritis? Well, the best form of treatment or management is exercise. When pain develops around the knee, the muscles often waste away because of the pain and because the person doesn't use the knee as much. The important muscles to work on developing are the quadriceps muscle and the hamstrings.

The quadriceps or quads muscle is found at the front of the knee or thigh and is responsible for straightening the knee. It is an important muscle when walking and going up and down stairs. The hamstrings are found at the back of the thigh. The hamstring muscle are actually made up of 3 muscles. This muscle group is responsible for bending the knee and extending the hip. Just like the quads muscle, the hamstrings are also important when walking and climbing stairs.

Walking is a good and simple form of exercise for people who suffer from knee pain. However, one must remember that this form of exercise is load bearing and if the knee arthritis is painful, this may increase the pain. Instead of walking, a person with knee arthritis may like to try walking in the water at their local swimming pool. With water up to their waist, half their body weight is gone. This means there is less pressure put through the knee which means less pain. If walking and exercise in water feels good to do, it is important to make it part of a normal routine and go to the pool 2-3 times a week.

Unfortunately, arthritis in knee joints is common. However, a few simple strategies like the ones mentioned above are able to help people who suffer with the pain of knee arthritis. It will give them control of the pain and help in the long term in managing the symptoms of knee arthritis.