Most people assume that when they have an injury and feel pain in an area, the best thing they can do for it is to rest it. In the case of arthritic knees, increasing your activity levels can be beneficial. Walking, in particular, is a great low-impact activity that can help arthritic knees. With a condition like arthritis of the knees, it is best to consult with a physical therapist, like physical therapy in severn md at AquaFit Physical Therapy to establish a baseline for the health and safety of your knee joints. With consistent and progressive workloads, walking can provide several benefits for your arthritis.
Potential Benefits of Walking:
- Increased strength – This strength increase can increase balance, and decrease your likelihood of falling.
- Increased energy – Lethargy is a common symptom of people with arthritic knees. Walking can boost your body’s energy reserves.
- Weight control – Lack of movement due to arthritis causes many to gain unwanted weight, walking routines can aid weight loss.
- Increase Flexibility – Keeping up mobility with a walking routine can lubricate the knee joint and protect it from further trauma. Lubrication of the knee joint can also improve the joint’s range of motion.
Sample Walking Routine:
For arthritic knees, it’s best to take it slow and not do too much. Planning out a schedule for when to walk and for how long and progressing overtime does wonders! Set a goal for how long you want to walk weekly. A common goal is 150 minutes a week, or 30 minutes a day five days a week. Start light, walk for about 10 minutes a day three days a week for the first week. After that, every day you walk, add 2 minutes to your walk time. By the fifth week, you will be walking 30 minutes each day, and then, as you see fit, add an extra day to your routine until you hit your goal of 30 minutes a day five days a week!
Contact AquaFit Physical Therapy in Severn MD!
Don’t let arthritic knees slow you down! Find a walking routine that minimizes pain and provides you benefits today. Contact our experts at AquaFit Physical Therapy, in severn md, for your arthritis concerns!