Knee osteoarthritis may be excruciatingly painful, especially when moving. Going on a stroll is perhaps the last thing on your mind. However, it is a wonderful way to alleviate your discomfort.
Walking can assist with osteoarthritis pain and disability (OA). You may be concerned that taking a stroll would place more strain on your knees and aggravate your discomfort. It, on the other hand, has the opposite effect. Walking increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients delivered to your knee joints. This improves their condition.
Walking can also be used to:
- Strengthen the bones and muscles.
- To help you lose weight, eat calories.
- Help you in sleeping well
- Boost your stamina
- To stop slipping, strengthen your balance.
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Keep the cartilage in good condition.
- Improve your cardiovascular fitness.
Perhaps not convinced? Another explanation is that stopping exercise will only make knee osteoarthritis pain worse.
Where Do I Begin?
First, see the doctor ensure that you are in good enough condition to begin walking.
Then take the following steps:
- Choose the best route. You should stroll along the sidewalks in your area, the local park, the school field, or the mall. Choose a path that is well-lit, peaceful, clear, and has little traffic. If you’re new to fitness, flat surfaces can be better than off-road trails.
- Take precautions. Be sure your family and friends are aware of when and where you want to walk. Bring your ID, a credit card or some currency, and your phone with you if you go for a walk outside or in a public place.
- Put on some comfy shoes, socks, and shirts. Walking shoes should be adjustable while still protecting the feet. Whether you’re going shoe shopping, go later in the day or later in the evening, so your feet stretch a little further later in the day.
- If you’re out for a stroll outside, wear light-colored or bright-colored clothing or a reflective jacket so that people can see you. Wear shirts to remove an extra shirt if you get overheated, which can happen even on cold days.
- Get a walking partner. You may go for a walk with your spouse or wife, children, neighbors, friends, or even your dog. You’re more likely to stick to a walk date if you do so with a friend.
- Walk and don’t run. Try to stroll as increasing your pace or running will strain your knee and cause complications. Immediately get rest or seek medical help if you experience intense knee pain after running.