Move It or Lose It

I have had so many of my past clients, friends and family members that complain of knee injuries old and new. Sometimes it is difficult for me to sympathize because the problems occur or get worse from neglect.

If you have pain that is preventing you from moving, it is time to fix it.

Any injury causing knee pain will be exacerbated by extra weight. As one doctor puts it, it’s the simple law of physics. Newton’s second law states “that a force acting on a body is equal to the acceleration of that body times its mass.” Exercising with added weight puts unnecessary pressure on the joints.

Temporary changes to eating habits won’t work. Instead consider a more permanent lifestyle change of healthy eating and exercise.

In addition to slimming down, I also recommend physical therapy. A physical therapist will diagnose the problem and give you sensible exercises that are tailored to your specific need. Physical therapy is not for the faint of heart. It takes discipline and commitment or it won’t work.

Depending on the severity of your condition, surgery may be your only option. Don’t deny yourself an active lifestyle. If you have been plagued with knee pain for years, it is time to see a medical doctor or orthopedist.

Don’t postpone getting medical attention—this could give you the hope of an active lifestyle in your very near future.

In addition to medical help, you must find another way to get moving. Riding a bike is easier on the joints than walking. Also, any resistance exercise, such as squats or lunges, will get the muscles that support your knee stronger. Be careful that the knee doesn’t extend over the ankle with any bending type movement.

A gentle stretching routine will help lubricate ligaments and tendons around the knee that could help speed up the healing process.

Also, swimming is a great alternative with virtually no impact on joints.

With any knee or joint injury it is not so much what you do but more importantly that you do something! Leading a sedentary lifestyle is always more dangerous than pushing those joints to move past some pain and discomfort.

Preventative measures like weight loss and physical therapy may be the only medicine you need; however, it may be time to visit your orthopedist.

Questions or comments email: suzannemcginnis@me.com.