It’s inevitable that as we age the cartilage and joints in our knees become subject to some wear and tear. But that doesn’t mean we should feel pain. If you’re feeling pain or swelling in your knee, it’s best to book an appointment with an Osteo in Greenvale.
But if you’re not currently experiencing any pain, there are some things you can do to help prevent knee pain, and keep your knees in tip-top shape for the years to come.
Strengthen your knee muscles
By developing and strengthening the muscles that surround your knee, you can help to protect the knee cartilage and reduce the instances of knee pain. Your quadriceps, hamstrings and abductors all support the knees, so engaging in regular exercises like squats and lunges can help to reduce your knee pain.
Maintain good posture
Poor posture results in changes to your centre of gravity, which in turn leads to more knee and hip pain. Whenever you feel yourself slouching, make a point of standing up tall with your head above your shoulders, shoulders above your hips, hips above your knees and so on. Exercise like pilates or yoga can help to improve your posture, as well as visiting an osteo in Greenvale for some tailored tips.
Regular exercise
Not only does exercise help us to feel good and produce more energy, but it also helps to maintain joint function and our range of motion, especially in the knees. Studies have shown that those who run recreationally have much lower instances of osteoarthritis in the knee than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle.
Pay attention to your footwear
Another tip recommended by osteo’s is to wear supportive shoes that support your knees while moving. High heels are a no-no if you want to avoid knee pain. Choose shoes that support the activity you’re undertaking. So if you’re going for a run, wear running shoes. Studies also show that those who have postural problems in their feet are more prone to knee pain also.
Listen to your body
If you’re feeling pain or swelling in your knee, stop any kind of high impact activity you might be doing. Don’t keep running on a sore knee, as you’ll likely just do further damage. Try resting it and taking an anti-inflammatory if it’s swollen. If that doesn’t relieve the pain after a day or two, it’s time to book an appointment with an osteo in Greenvale to assess your knees.
Visit an Osteo in Greenvale
Finally, the best way to manage knee pain is to come and see an osteo in Greenvale. We’ll be able to assess the root cause of your knee pain and treat it through a range of manual techniques including massage and stretching.
We can also prescribe specific exercises and stretches to help build your knee strength at home and prevent further injuries from occurring.
To book an appointment with one of our osteo’s, simply give us a call on 1800 067 836.