If knee pain due to arthritis is a problem, regular walking for exercise may be the key to relief.
According to a recent study published in the Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatology, arthritic patients over the age of 50 who walked regularly to stay fit were less likely to experience regular knee pain compared to patients who didn’t exercise. Twelve hundred patients were examined for this study.
Other findings in the research included:
- Nearly 40 percent of participants who didn’t walk for exercise experienced frequent joint pain over the course of the study
- Over a quarter of patients who did walk regularly experienced the same level of knee pain as those who refrained from exercise
- In addition to helping with knee pain relief, regular walking may also aid in helping depression and cognitive issues. (Source: WebMD)
Osteoarthritis in the knee occurs when the cartilage in the knee deteriorates. If not treated, the continued loss of cartilage causes the bones in the knee to rub against each other. This in turn leads to pain in the affected joint.
Bon Secours Virginia Orthopaedic and Spine Specialists offer help with joint pain due to illness, injury and other factors. Our team of physicians and physical therapists provide a full continuum of care designed to reduce pain and improve quality of life. Treatments for knee pain may include joint replacement, medication or other minimally invasive procedures.