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Knees often don’t get the attention they deserve despite being the largest joints in the human body. They play a crucial role in connecting the thighs to the lower legs, supporting balance and facilitating movement. Therefore, it is vital to maintain the health of your knees. Dr. Milica McDowell, a doctor of PT, certified exercise physiologist, and VP of operations at Gait Happens, provides valuable tips on how to care for your knees as you get older.
There are certain lifestyle changes that can negatively impact your knee health, such as weight gain, muscle loss, decreased physical activity and flexibility, and a decline in range of motion. Dr. McDowell reveals exactly what can compromise your knees—and how to prevent it.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
A few additional pounds can present major challenges for your knees. Dr. McDowell says that the number one way to protect your knees is to maintain a healthy body weight.
“Being even mildly overweight impacts your knee health more than you think,” Dr. McDowell explains. “Our knees are the workhorses of the lower body, and carrying excess weight (especially around your middle) increases stress on the joint and increases risk of injury. Even reducing body weight by 5-10% can significantly help to reduce stress on the knee joints and help to preserve their long-term health.”
Work On Total-Body Strength
Exercising to build strength is key when it comes to showing your knees the TLC they deserve.
“Strength in the posterior chain (glutes, hamstrings and calves) especially ‘protect’ the knee joint,” Dr. McDowell explains. “Stronger abs and core have been shown to also take pressure off the knee, adequate ankle dorsiflexion (knee over toes) range of motion also contributes to knee health and reduces fall risks too!”
Exercise Regularly
Incorporating all kinds of exercise into your fitness routine is beneficial to your overall wellness—but there are some that really target your knee joints and can keep them in great working order.
Below are the exercises Dr. McDowell suggests.
- Core exercises: crunches, sit-ups, and planks
- Glute and hamstring exercises: bridges and glute kickbacks
- Calf exercises: single and double-leg heel raises
Alexa Mellardo
