Your knees are joints that connect the thigh bone (the femur) to the shin, allowing for complex movements such as walking, running, crouching, bending, or jumping.
In a sense, your knee is a very important hinge, one of the largest and most intricate joints in your body, essential for your mobility and stability. If you’re an athlete, an office worker, or simply a person who likes to take walks: discomfort in and around your knee can affect any aspect of your physical and mental life.
Knee Pain
Overuse, injury, or degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis can cause damage to the knee and result in pain, swelling, and reduced flexibility.
Some of the most common knee injuries involve the tearing of the ligaments surrounding the joint, but the knee is also surrounded by a protective layer of cartilage (to help reduce friction and shock), which can also become inflamed.
Common knee conditions include:
Why Stretch
Stretching improves flexibility and relieves muscle tension. Starting a routine can help support overall knee health by maintaining or improving joint mobility and flexibility, reducing the risk of injury, and improving blood flow.
Why stretch? Because it’s good for you! You should stretch to:
Knee Stretches for Daily Pain
Though it is always important to consult with your doctor or physical therapist before you start any new strenuous activity, especially if you’re in pain or just had surgery, these day-to-day stretches can help prevent a lot of discomfort down the line.
Some common knee stretches include:
Effective stretches also include side leg raises and single-leg lifts.
Maintain Your Knee
A healthy knee is a cornerstone of a healthy, physically active body.
Regular exercise, proper posture, avoiding activities that put excessive strain on the joint: all can help keep your knees in good working condition.
If you’re in pain, call your doctor today. Early management now can save you a lot of pain later.