Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disorder that occurs when cartilage, a cushioning layer that covers the joint surface, wears down. This affects the joint’s ability to move smoothly and can change bone shape and cause inflammation resulting in pain, stiffness, joint instability, muscle weakness and loss of mobility. OA is the leading cause of pain and disability in Australia with the knee one of the most common joints to be affected by OA.
Risk Factors for Knee Osteoarthritis
Being overweight or obese increases the amount of force loaded on the knee. Studies show that using just 10% of your body weight can cut arthritis pain in half.
Poor lower limb strength with weaker muscles at the knee and hip can lead to improper mechanics which can result in wear and tear of the knee joint.
Tight lower limb muscles that act on the knee and hip can result in reduced joint space which can lead to increased friction and loss of cartilage resulting in OA of the knee.
Physical inactivity leads to muscle loss, weakness and joint instability which results in wear when the joint is called into action.
Overuse of the knee at work by labourers or those with professions involving persistent knee bending/loading increases the risk of knee arthritis.
A previous knee injury can also increase risk.
How Does Exercise Help with Knee Osteoarthritis?
Regular exercise is essential to managing knee osteoarthritis and slowing/stopping the cycle of decline. Evidence shows that exercise can help reduce joint pain, increase physical function, and improve quality of life in those with knee OA. Exercise helps to:
Keep muscles strong to support and stabilise joints.
Reduces pain.
Improve balance.
Improves joint movement, and flexibility and reduces joint stiffness.
Improves the ability to do daily tasks such as walking up/downstairs.
Physical activity helps to lose or maintain a healthy weight to reduce the load on painful joints.
CONTACT US
Want to book in for Exercise Physiology Wollongong, head on over to our online bookings CLICK HERE
Tel. (02) 4259 0384 126 Church St, Wollongong, NSW, 2500
14 Churchill Ave, Warrawong, Entry Via Mowbray Lane
Post Created By Emma - Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
Prescribe Exercise are your local exercise physiology specialists. We provide exercise rehabilitation to assist manage and prevent injury and chronic disease in the Wollongong and Illawarra area. Our programs will assist to achieve personal excellence, we do this by taking the time to educate and empower you with the highest quality care and exercise best practice available. We genuinely care for our clients and want to make a difference in your life, we will help you to get better and stay better so that you can regain control of your health once again.