Saturday 28 March 2009

Knee Arthritis Basic Information

Arthritis in knee joints is a common problem for people over 60 years of age. If someone played sport during their younger years and developed a knee injury, the chance of developing problems in later years is significantly increased.

So what can be done about knee arthritis? When pain develops around the knee, the muscles often waste away because of the pain and because the person doesn't use the knee as much. The important muscles to work on developing are the quadriceps muscle and the hamstrings.

The quadriceps or quads muscle is found at the front of the knee or thigh and is responsible for straightening the knee. The hamstring muscle are actually made up of 3 muscles. This muscle group is responsible for bending the knee and extending the hip. Walking is a good and simple form of exercise for people who suffer from knee pain. However, one must remember that this form of exercise is load bearing and if the knee arthritis is painful, this may increase the pain. Instead of walking, a person with knee arthritis may like to try walking in the water at their local swimming pool. Unfortunately, arthritis in knee joints is common. However, a few simple strategies like the ones mentioned above are able to help people who suffer with the pain of knee arthritis. It will give them control of the pain and help in the long term in managing the symptoms of knee arthritis.

Arthritis Pain and Stiffness

Arthritis of the knee typically affects people over 50 years of age though it is not exclusive to this age group. This type of arthritis is more common in people who are overweight, and weight loss tends to reduce the symptoms associated with knee arthritis.

When you have arthritis pain and stiffness, finding the proper exercise can be somewhat difficult. Walking may be a good exercise choice for those with arthritis. It helps build strength, maintains joint flexibility, aids in bone health and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

Interestingly, after eight weeks, the walkers reported decidedly less pain and less reliance on pain medication. There is also water walking which is usually done in waist - to chest -deep water. You can walk forward, backward, or sideways. Since warm water relaxes the muscles and eases joint stiffness for people with arthritis, the pool should be well heated.

For any kind of water exercise, the Arthritis Foundation recommends a water temperature of 83ºF to 88ºF, comfortably warm, but not hot.

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