What you need to know about living with arthritis in the knees

Living With Arthritis in Knees

Having trouble walking the dog or playing with the grandkids? Do your knees hurt and keep you from working? If you answered yes to these questions, you could be dealing with knee osteoarthritis. 

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common issue, especially among older Americans. One research study reports that about 10% of men and 13% of women over 60 have this condition. Additionally, younger people can develop knee osteoarthritis, too. Living with osteoarthritis in your knees can be difficult, but there are also some things you should know that can make it easier. 

Three tips that can make living with knee osteoarthritis easier

There are many challenges that can come from living with osteoarthritis in your knees, but there are three tips that may make it easier to live with this condition: 

  1. Stretch your knees in the morning — It’s not uncommon for arthritic knees to be at their most stiff and painful right after you wake up. Doing a few stretches first thing in the morning can help reduce these symptoms before your feet even hit the floor. 
  1. Don’t move too little or too much — Cells in joint cartilage called chondrocytes produce fluid that helps lubricate the joints. One study reveals that moving a joint prompts chondrocytes to increase their production of lubricating compounds. The study shows that moving joints in cows caused a 27% increase in lubricating compound production. However, it’s also important to listen to your body and take a break if you start to feel pain while moving about. 
  1. Attend physical therapy — Medical research shows that attending physical therapy can benefit people with knee osteoarthritis. One study reveals that physical therapy led to a 52% improvement in scores for knee pain and function. 

 

Searching for physical therapy that can make living with knee osteoarthritis easier? SSOR can help

Are you looking for physical therapy that can help make living with arthritis in the knees easier? Our team of therapy specialists at SSOR are ready and willing to help you. Our team offers complimentary screenings, and these are designed to reveal the exact issues your arthritis is causing. With this information, we can build you a personalized therapy plan intended to reduce your knee arthritis symptoms and improve your quality of life. We even offer virtual care and at-home therapy that can allow you to get therapy for your arthritis without leaving home. Even better, we don’t require a doctor’s referral for you to use any of our services. 

Contact us today for more information about our arthritis therapy services or to schedule an initial appointment.