If you have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, it is helpful to know which exercises to avoid to prevent worsening pain caused by inflammation.
One of the most common causes of knee pain is osteoarthritis.
If you have been diagnosed with this condition, it is useful to know which exercises to avoid to prevent worsening pain caused by inflammation.
Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling.
If you suffer from this condition, there are exercises – and sports – that you should avoid.
We’ll discuss them in this article.
2 Exercises for knee osteoarthritis to avoid
There are 2 exercises that contribute to worsening pain if you suffer from knee osteoarthritis and have not yet undergone prosthetic replacement.
1. Deep Squats or Lunges (Squats)
Exercises that put a strain on the knees, exhausting and risking only worsening the pain.
2. Leg Press Machine (Leg Extension)
The leg press machine is a common tool in gyms, but it is not ideal for those with knee osteoarthritis because the weight can exert excessive pressure on the knees and worsen symptoms.
These movements can also increase joint wear and tear: if you’re unsure if an exercise you’re doing is safe for you, you can turn to us.
We can help you create a safe and effective plan that takes your condition into account.
Which sports contribute to the development of osteoarthritis?
All sports involving running can jeopardize joint health.
I’m talking about soccer, basketball, volleyball, American football, rugby, weightlifting and tennis.
Even a high-impact activity like jumping can increase painful symptoms and further damage the joint.
The high-impact physical activity typical of professionals is a risk factor for example for weightlifters and soccer players who are more likely to develop the condition.
Furthermore, sports like soccer, where there are frequent contacts, quick direction changes that stress the cruciate ligaments or menisci or experience blows, trauma, or sprains, can over time promote the onset of osteoarthritis.
Which sports are suitable for osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis does not exclude physical activity, despite having symptoms characterized by constant pain with variable movement limitation.
In its presence the ideal practice is low-impact aerobic activity and focusing on activities that strengthen the knee muscles without overloading them.
This allows supporting and protecting the entire joint from worsening.
Yoga and Pilates are useful for correcting posture, strengthening muscles, controlling weight, increasing tissue elasticity and oxygenation, improving balance and joint mobility.
Swimming, cycling or stationary cycling are also excellent sports in the presence of osteoarthritis, because the muscles work, but the joint is unloaded – without the body’s weight.
Before starting any exercise it is essential to do adequate muscle warm-up.
Are there other useful exercises?
All water activities where muscles work intensely and joints are unloaded are excellent and more generally all sports that do not involve body weight on the joints are recommended.
Even gymnastics, if guided by a physiotherapist, can be a useful tool to improve symptoms and therefore your quality of life.
In conclusion physical activity composed of targeted and controlled exercises is a valuable ally.
If you suffer from osteoarthritis, discover other tips to prevent and improve your situation in this article.
