Is Walking Beneficial for Patients With Knee Arthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis) feels different for each patient but is generally painful due to wear and tear to the cartilage in the knee. It may be the result of age, weight, heredity, injury, or a combination of factors. As pain increases, patients increasingly seek out ways to treat the pain or prevent further degeneration and mobility issues. 

At Ospina Medical in New York City, NY, Dr. Matthew Kohler is dedicated to improving the quality of their patient's lives with cutting-edge nonsurgical treatments such as Regenexx® and using platelet-rich plasma (PRP). But there are also ways patients can improve their quality of life at home. 

Keep reading to find out the role that walking may play in improving pain in patients with knee arthritis treatment new york   , as well as what treatments can help when it isn't enough. 

How does knee arthritis develop, and what does it feel like? 

Pain in the knee from arthritis may develop suddenly but typically begins as feelings of stiffness or swelling. Patients may have increasing difficulty bending or straightening the knee and, as a result, may limit activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and kneeling. 

As the amount of cartilage decreases, activities may become more painful and lead to periods of inactivity. And while patients can experience less pain at the moment, this level of immobility isn't sustainable in the long term. 

Is walking beneficial for people with knee arthritis? 

Walking can be very beneficial to those with arthritis since it can maintain the joint's range of motion. Walking is also a low-impact activity that can keep you fit and help your body and mind as you make further plans about your arthritis treatment options. 

Often, patients aren't pleased to hear that an activity they may find mildly or moderately painful will help in the long run. It's also crucial to ask Drs. Kohler and Maniam what kind of walking (in terms of surface, duration, etc.) would benefit you the most. If you have knee pain or arthritis, talk to a doctor before starting a walking program. 

While walking won't magically cure arthritis, it can help your body produce chemicals that protect your remaining cartilage tissue. 

What can I do to treat knee arthritis? 

Surgical interventions may be necessary in some cases of knee arthritis, but these can lead to complications and lengthy recoveries. Instead, Drs. Kohler and Maniam offer:   

• A nonsteroidal option that uses viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid derivatives to improve mobility and reduce pain  
• Cortisone and other anti-inflammatory injections  
• An experimental state-of-the-art PRP treatment from Regenexx 

Regenexx uses a patient's own healthy blood platelets from elsewhere in the body to help stimulate repair in injured areas. The goal is to build a healthy environment with everything the body's cells need to induce their repair mechanisms. In the most successful cases, knee cartilage that has been worn down over the years may be restored without having to resort to a knee replacement. 

Treat knee pain from osteoarthritis in New York City, NY 

If you are suffering from progressive knee pain or experiencing pain and stiffness in your knee, it's crucial to see a doctor as early as possible to diagnose the problem. With various nonsurgical treatment options, Ospina Medical offers the best treatment possible for patients who want a less-invasive approach to knee repair. 

To learn more about our services or get advice on how an exercise routine with low-impact activities such as walking can help you avoid treatment in the future, schedule an appointment with Dr. Matthew Kohler in New York City, NY today.