Physical Activity Helps Knee Cartilage
Monday October 6, 2008
People often say their knees are arthritic because of activity. It is a typical story to hear that a patient associates their arthritis with the fact that they have been physically active.
The truth is that knees are almost always helped by physical activity. In fact, patients who have participated in vigorous physical activity have better, healthier cartilage than patients who are not physically active. Furthermore, patients who are physically active have less of a chance of being obese, have stronger muscles, and are less likely to experience knee pain.
What does this mean for you? If you have good knees, then vigorous physical activity will help to maintain your knee health--not hurt your knees.
Related: Knee Arthritis | Ready for knee replacement?
Sources: Racunica TL, et al. "Effect of physical activity on articular knee joint structures in community-based adults" Arthritis Rheum. 2007 Oct 15;57(7):1261-8.
Comments
I agree. Also, knees are helped by opening up the ankles. Many knee injuries come about by having stiff or weak ankles. Stretching the ankles out by gently sitting back on the heels is a great exercise. Another is stretching them against a wall by placing the sole of the foot flat against the wall and leaning forward. This will also work out the calves, which will help to support the knees as well.
jh
bodaweightlosstips
I think that in my case- a particular kind of activity- playing lots of competitive tennis- played a very large role in my developing osteoarthritus of only my left knee. I am a right-handed player. Unless, one leaves the ground (which mainly professional players do), a vigorous, full rotation, forehand places twisting force on the left knee.