What are the best exercises for sufferers of knee pain?
While I can recommend some general exercises and activities – walking, for example – the most beneficial regimen will depend on the cause of the knee pain. Work with your doctor for a definitive diagnosis. Once you know the cause, I strongly advise seeing a physical therapist to learn how to do the exercises recommended for your condition. Learning proper technique from a handout alone can be very difficult. Knee pain has numerous causes. Two of the most common are osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndrome. Osteoarthritis: This is considered “wear and tear” arthritis and is associated with aging. It occurs when the cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time. In addition to pain, the knee may feel stiff and tender. Osteoarthritis may limit the range of motion. Inactivity seems to increase pain. Mild activity usually helps, while overdoing it can cause more pain. Considerable research has found that exercises focused on strengthening the quadriceps (front thigh muscles) and h
