5 Reasons Walking is Good for Knee Joints

Posted by Orthopaedic Specialists

Dr. Stacie Grossfeld of Orthopaedic Specialists in Louisville, KY explains 5 reasons that walking is good for knee joints.For many of us that lead busy lives, there never seems to be much time to commit to the proper amount of exercise recommended, which is 30-60 minutes per day for adults. Between managing a family, having a full-time job, cooking healthy meals, and taking care of our home and other responsibilities, getting a gym membership on top of it all seems like a moot point. But there are plenty of easy exercises to strengthen your joints and muscles that you can get from the comfort of your home, or even during your day by making conscious choices; a popular one? Walking!

That’s right, something you already do can be a big benefit to your overall physical health, but this exercise is particularly good for those with knee problems. Before we get into those reasons, remember to keep a few things in mind:

  • Listen to your body
  • Get the proper gear
  • Take days to rest and recover

If you find that walking puts more stress on your hurt knee than it relieves the pain, listen to your body and consult a doctor. There are some gear items that might help, such as shoe inserts or knee braces, but it’s always a good idea to have a medical opinion on unusual joint pain. With that in mind…

Walking is good for your knees for several reasons:

  1. Low-Impact Exercise:
    1. Walking is a low-impact activity, which means it puts less stress on your knee joints compared to activities like running or jumping. This can help reduce the risk of knee injuries and minimize wear and tear on your joints.
  2. Joint Lubrication:
    1. When you walk, your knee joints are gently moved through their full range of motion. This motion helps distribute synovial fluid, which acts as a natural lubricant for your joints, reducing friction and maintaining joint health.
  3. Strengthening Muscles:
    1. Walking helps strengthen the muscles around your knees, including your quadriceps and hamstrings. Strong muscles provide better support to your knee joint, reducing the risk of instability and injury.
  4. Weight Management:
    1. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for knee health. Walking is an effective way to burn calories and manage your weight, which can help reduce the load on your knees and prevent conditions like osteoarthritis.
  5. Improved Circulation:
    1. Walking promotes better blood circulation, which can aid in the delivery of essential nutrients to your knee joint tissues, supporting their repair and overall health.

If you or someone you love has suffered a knee injury in the Louisville, Kentucky-area, board certified sports medicine physician Dr. Stacie Grossfeld at Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC can help. Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC is accepting new patients, and same day appointments are available. For additional information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Orthopaedic Specialists PLLC today at 502-212-2663.