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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Keith P. Myers, MD, DC
Walk Away Your Knee Pain

Walk Away Your Knee Pain

Walk Away Your Knee Pain

If you’re suffering from knee pain, the last thing you probably feel like doing is walking on those aching legs. But it’s the very thing you should be doing to help eliminate your pain.

Generally speaking, the more you move your knees the better off you’ll be. The old adage “motion is lotion” applies directly to your knee joints. Moving – even when you don’t feel like it – lubricates your knees, and helps reduce your risk for chronic issues like osteoarthritis.

One of the easiest ways to “get in motion” is to take a walk. Doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just get up and get moving.

To that end, here are a few simple ways to ease any potential discomfort when you get started.

First, drink plenty of water. Fluid loss reduces your muscle and joint flexibility, which causes more wear and tear on your body than normal. So aim for eight glasses of water a day, increasing the amount the more you move and sweat.

Speaking of sweating and flexibility, be sure to warm up, then stretch. Get the blood flowing, and a light sweat going. Then perform a few simple stretches to increase your muscle and joint mobility.

When it’s cold, like it is now, make sure you keep your knees warm. You can use a knee wrap or a neoprene sleeve to help capture and hold body heat during your winter walks.

Next, pay attention to the “good pain.” If you’re just getting started moving more, you’ll likely experience a little discomfort. Don’t be alarmed, this should work itself out as you keep moving. But keep tabs on any bad pain, and stop if you feel a sharp pain, or if you start limping for any reason.

Once you’ve finished your walk (or whatever movement you’ve settled on for the day), you need to chill out. Ice your knees for 15 minutes or so to help combat soreness and keep your knees feeling good.

Finally, pick a routine and stick to it. Start slow and work your way up to more movement as you get comfortable. Monitor any pain you feel. Then just keep at it.

Before you know it, by using these tips and staying consistent, you’ll have walked away your knee pain.

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