- Begin by understanding that keeping your knee joints moving is the best possible way to treat arthritis. This does not mean go out and jog or play football. What it means is that an object at rest tends to get stiff, and an object in motion tends to move easier. Walking is the best possible exercise for knee joints at any stage--whether healthy or recovering from a total knee-replacement surgery. Walking provides minimum impact, which is necessary for muscle maintenance, and also keeps the joint moving back and forth, without undue stress. So walk, walk, walk. Every day.
- The quad muscles are the muscles that run over the top of your kneecap and connect to your upper leg. These are the muscles that surround and maintain your kneecap placement. The stronger you can make these muscles, the less strain will go to your knees. So do leg lifts multiple times a day to tone and strengthen these muscles. A guide to leg-lift exercises has been provided in the resource section below.
- Some weight training is an excellent idea. Again, by strengthening the muscles of the legs and the rear end, you take some of the pressure off your arthritic knees. Always consult a professional trainer and your own doctor before beginning weight training; if your arthritis is too advanced, some types of weight training that will cause more harm than good. A link has been provided below for some common weight-training exercises for the knee.
