Osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint condition that affects millions around the world, is usually located in the knee. It is painful and stiff and causes limited mobility, making it difficult for people to lead an active life. Medication and surgical interventions are used to treat OA. Still, exercise therapy is the cornerstone of non-surgical treatment and provides long-term relief of symptoms and improvement in joint function.
People with knee osteoarthritis often believe they should avoid moving to prevent their symptoms from worsening. Instead, pain can be relieved with controlled, guided exercises; the knee can be strengthened, and deterioration can be prevented.
Strengthening Supporting Muscles
Having weak muscles around the knee, like the quadriceps and hamstrings, can actually put the joint under more significant stress, aggravating OA symptoms. The more muscle strength you have in these muscles, the better the load is distributed across the joint, and the less pain, and more stability.
Improving Joint Flexibility
In osteoarthritis, the joints naturally become less flexible and often stiff. Flexibility exercises and low-impact activities will help make your body flexible so that it will move smoother and naturally.
Boosting Joint Lubrication
The movement produces synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and makes it easier for them to slide against each other. It is vital that this natural lubrication that allows us to ease stiffness and strengthen mobility.
Aiding Weight Management
Extra weight adds more pressure to the knee joint than it can bear, which accelerates wear and tear. Maintaining a healthy weight with aerobic exercises, such as walking, cycling or swimming, helps maintain healthy knee health and lessens the strain on the knee.
Enhancing Mental Well-Being
OA can take a toll on mental health. Endorphins are released when we exercise regularly and can help improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression that often accompany chronic pain.
Effective exercise in osteoarthritis knee therapy is all about low-impact, joint-friendly activities that are specific to individual needs.
While self-guided exercises can be good, physiotherapists are highly recommended for tailored treatment. A physiotherapist assesses OA severity, progress is monitored, and an exercise program is tailor-made to individual capabilities/limitations. They also make sure that we do exercises correctly so that we don't get hurt and get all the benefits.
Myth: Knee pain will worsen with exercise.
Fact: Low-impact and properly guided exercises will properly strengthen muscles and improve joint function, reducing pain.
Myth: The best remedy for OA is rest.
Fact: Inactivity can make OA worse by making muscles weaker and stiffer, which can prolong the problem.
Myth: Only high-intensity workouts work.
Fact: Moderate and low-impact exercises offer a lot of benefits without overburdening the joints.
Exercise therapy is all about consistency. Here are some tips for incorporating movement into your routine:
Start Slow: Don't overexert yourself – gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercises.
Use Proper Equipment: Supportive footwear and possibly braces can help to reduce the stress placed on the knee.
Set Realistic Goals: If you are fit, aim for 20-30 minutes of exercise 3-5 times a week.
Listen to Your Body: If you experience severe pain or discomfort during any activity, stop immediately.
Conclusion
However, exercise therapy is a potent tool for dealing with symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee and improving overall function. Exercise that strengthens muscles, improves flexibility and promotes joint health, can go a long way toward helping individuals with OA.
Want to win back control of your knee health? Contact VL Therapy today at https://www.vltherapy.com.my/ to learn how personalized physiotherapy programs can help you live an active, pain-free life.