When it comes to knee care, you can do a number of things to keep this joint healthy. Your knees are very complex joints, so they require multiple types of care to remain in good condition. There are a few behaviors that are key in making sure that your knees can stand up to the stresses of daily use and your lifestyle.
Know More About Your Knees
Having a basic understanding of the structure of your knee joints and what they are capable of makes it easier to give them what they need. Every person’s knees are different and can handle different levels of stress and activity. For example, if you have arthritis in your knees, you might not be able to run as fast or as far as you used to and this is okay. Keep moderation in mind to ensure that your joints remain healthy.
Do Not Work Through Pain
If you notice pain or swelling in one or both knees, it is important to make an appointment with your doctor. Trying to work through a condition or injury can just make it worse. Instead, you want to make an appointment with your doctor and have the issue checked out. It might just be a minor issue that requires rest, or it could be more complex. No matter the cause of your discomfort, it is imperative that you receive the right treatment in a prompt manner.
Be Mindful of Exercise
Staying active is very important for your knees, but you want to do activities that do not overly stress them either. You have probably heard about low impact exercises and these are what you want to do. In addition to protecting your knees, this form of exercise is also ideal for your ankles, hips and your back. Exercises that are considered to be low impact include swimming, biking, taking casual walks, and aerobics in a pool.
Work to Lose Weight
If you are overweight, even by 10 to 20 pounds, this is putting considerably more stress on your knees. Over time, this extra stress can increase your risk of joint damage and other unpleasant problems. Your doctor can help you to craft an exercise plan to shed the extra pounds and help your knees.
You can see that there are several things you can do to ensure optimal knee care. It is important to keep up with the health of all of your joints, as well as your general health. Never hesitate to see your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms that you cannot explain so that you can get on the road to recovery.
Questions?
Request a consultation with one of the knee specialists at the Orthopedic & Sports Institute. Call (920) 560-1000 or request an appointment online.
OSI has convenient locations to serve you. The campus in Appleton includes clinics, a surgery center, MRI, physical therapy, and a skilled nursing facility, as well as a walk-in clinic that provides care for new orthopedic injuries.
OSI has outreach clinics in New London, Ripon, Shawano, Waupaca, and the newest location serving the Green Bay area, inside the NOVO Health Clinic in De Pere.
OSI is a proud member of NOVO Health.