If you have knee pain, here are my 2 best tips for getting rid of it....even if you are already planning on getting a knee replacement in the future.
#1 Start strengthening.
With arthritis and degeneration, we can become quite weak. This can cause even more pressure on your joint which will contribute to more pain and more limitations. With knee arthritis, performing some strengthening exercises can really help improve the support around your knee joint. This will help you perform more activities, like walking, standing up and going up stairs, with less pain!
Even if you and your doctor have decided that a knee replacement is inevitable at this point, it is still very important to perform strengthening exercises BEFORE surgery. Not only does it have the potential to improve your function and quality of life between now and surgery, it will help you with your rehab afterward. The stronger your muscles are before your surgery, the stronger they will be after.
The best news is these exercises do not have to hurt. Before working with me, many of my patients were avoiding exercise because it would hurt or they were afraid it would cause more damage. What we do is work with our patients to establish a good exercise program (that they can replicate at home) which is PAINFREE!! This helps improve strength of the legs without having more pain or discomfort.
#2 Strengthen the rest of your body.
If you are having knee pain on one side, chances are you are overusing your “good” leg to help accomplish your daily activities. Strengthening your other side, as well as surrounding joints and your core will help prevent any further degeneration on the other side.
If you are having knee pain and want to improve it now and for the future, give us a call to see how we can help.