By Linda Buch
QUESTION: I get knee pain while walking due to a loss of cartilage ...and am otherwise in good health. Can you suggest any exercises to relieve knee pain?
ANSWER: Knees are, without a doubt, one of the most contentious joints in the body. Since the knee involves so many moving parts and support tissues, an inflamed or injured knee can present chronic pain and instability. Learning how to cope and function are crucial.
Medical professionals generally focus on two things regarding knee pain: weight loss and muscle strengthening in the legs. A modest weight loss can reduce knee pain by as much as 50 percent, and strengthening the muscles will give needed support to this multi-tasking joint.
If you haven't already done so, get a proper diagnosis from an orthopedic specialist. There may be some simple treatment options available to you. If your body weight is appropriate for your age and height, then strengthening the leg muscles, especially around the knee, is in order.
First, be sure you are wearing shoes that are fitted to your particular needs, designed for walking, and in good condition. Regular walkers should only use a pair of shoes for three or four months, because the support breaks down.
If you have access to a gym or recreation center, ask a fitness trainer to show you how to use the machines designed for hamstrings (the muscles behind the thigh). Hamstrings are often part of a knee pain problem because they do not get as much attention as the quadriceps (front of the thigh).
