Joint pain is a common ailment for many adults and knee pain is the worst offender. That all too familiar popping, cracking and stiffness often associated with the knees are not only inconvenient, embarrassing and sometimes painful, but they are signs that your knees need attention. Take heed to these tips for protecting your knees and walk strong for many years to come.
Take heed to these tips for protecting your knees and walk strong for many years to come.
Manage weight properly
Our bones are pretty strong and with the muscles wrap around them they are able to hold up a few dozen pounds with ease. Yet, when too much weight is put on the body the joints become stressed out from having to hold up excess body mass. To take the stress off your knees, which hold up the majority of your body weight, stay within a healthy weight range that will give your knees a break. If you do not know the healthy weight range for your height and age, consult your physician for the specifics.
Wear shoes with support
The feet are at the very end of the body and they support the pressure of gravity weighing down on pounds of muscle, bones and fat. Due to the amount of pressure the feet are under daily, it is important to have shoes that support your weight to take extra stress off the knees that often receive the backlash of pain when the feet fail to hold up. If you have flat feet (my feet are as flat as a board), then wear shoes that have arch support or a bit of height leverage (a short heel) to make sure the feet can properly carry you through your day with ease.
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For the ladies, high heels are super cute and are a major purchase during the spring/summer season, but when purchasing these towering beauties, make sure to buy shoes that have a platform if the heel is four inches or above. The platform will put less stress on your knees with every step you take.
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Tighten up those thighs
The thigh muscles (hamstrings and quads) are some of the largest muscles in the body and are responsible for keeping the knees strong and the legs moving properly. If you are having more stress than normal weighing down on your knees, then it is time for you to hit the lunges and leg presses to strengthen those muscles! The stronger your hamstrings are, the more they can support your knees. You will experience a bit of pain during the tearing of the muscles to build them up, but your knees will thank you later!
Avoid activities that are hard on the knees
- Squatting down, kneeling on your knees, extreme stretches and other activities that require for you to use your knees in ways that may be harmful to them should be avoided.
- If you work a job that requires a lot of bending, lifting and squatting, make sure to use proper form and technique
- When lifting objects to ensure the safety of your knees.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Arthritis center for more helpful articles and tips.
