The knee is one of the most important joints in the body. Knee pain can be debilitating and prevent you from enjoying an active retirement lifestyle. It’s important to take care of your knees as you age to prevent future injury, but it’s also important not to stop enjoying activities that you love just because you’re getting older. If you have workout-related knee pain, try these tips to help keep your knees healthy while still being able to enjoy everyday activities:
Use Proper Equipment And Supportive Shoes
If you are experiencing knee pain, the first thing to do is see your doctor. They can help identify the cause of your discomfort and determine if any treatment options are necessary.
If you need to use a cane or walker for support, ensure it is properly sized for your height and weight. Try out different models at home before purchasing one to know what works best for you.
Knee pads should also be used whenever possible when doing physical labor or activities that put pressure on the knees (such as lawn mowing). The most effective types are those made from high-density foam with an elastic strap around them, so they don’t slide off when working hard in hot weather!
Get Regular Exercise
Inactivity is among the most significant contributors to knee pain in older adults. If inactive, your bones can become less dense and more prone to breaking. In addition, if you don’t use your muscles regularly, they will weaken and become stiffer, which can also cause knee pain. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to keep your knees healthy as you age. One of the best exercises for improving your overall fitness level is walking, which can also be helpful if you have arthritis or other joint conditions in the lower body. Other aerobic exercises include cycling (stationary or outdoor), swimming, dancing, and jogging. These activities improve circulation in the legs while strengthening muscles around the knee joint, so they don’t become weak over time due to lack of use while sitting down all day at work or home.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
It’s always possible to start working toward a healthy weight. If you are obese, losing just 10 percent of your body weight can reduce knee pain by 50 percent. Even if you’ve been maintaining an unhealthy weight for years, losing 5-10 pounds may help improve your knee function and overall health.
You can help achieve this goal by making small changes in what you eat and drink over time that adds up to big results:
- Eat more fruits and vegetables instead of processed foods high in sugar, salt, or fat (like potato chips).
- Drink water instead of sugary sodas or other beverages with added sugar-even diet sodas contribute calories without providing any nutritional value!
Treat Any Underlying Conditions
If you’re experiencing knee pain, there’s a good chance it’s due to one of the many conditions that can affect your joints. These include arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and psoriasis. Treatments for these conditions can range from medication to surgery.
