Knee pain can be caused by different factors such as injury, arthritis, or overuse. Whatever its cause, knee pain can be debilitating and affect daily activities.
However, exercise can help relieve knee pain by strengthening the muscles around the knee joint, increasing flexibility, and reducing inflammation. Below are some exercises that can help relieve knee pain:.
1. Straight Leg Raises
Straight leg raises help strengthen the quadriceps muscles, which support the knee joint. To do this exercise:.
- Lie on your back with one leg straight and the other bent at the knee.
- Tighten the thigh muscle of the straight leg and lift it off the ground, keeping the knee straight.
- Hold for 5 seconds and then gently lower the leg.
- Do 10 repetitions and then switch legs.
2. Wall Slides
Wall slides help improve knee mobility and increase flexibility. To do this exercise:.
- Stand with your back against a wall and feet about shoulder-width apart.
- Slowly slide down the wall by bending your knees, keeping your back against the wall.
- Stop when your knees are at a 90-degree angle.
- Hold for 5 seconds and then slowly slide back up the wall.
- Do 10 repetitions.
3. Hamstring Curls
Hamstring curls help strengthen the hamstring muscles, which support the back of the knee. To do this exercise:.
- Stand behind a chair and hold onto it for support.
- Bend one knee and bring your heel towards your buttocks.
- Hold for 5 seconds and then lower the leg.
- Do 10 repetitions and then switch legs.
4. Calf Raises
Calf raises help strengthen the calf muscles, which support the knee joint. To do this exercise:.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold onto a wall for support.
- Rise up onto your toes, lifting your heels off the ground.
- Hold for 5 seconds and then slowly lower your heels back down.
- Do 10 repetitions.
5. Quad Stretch
Quad stretch helps stretch the quadriceps muscles, which can become tight and cause knee pain. To do this exercise:.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding onto a wall for support if needed.
- Bend your right knee and bring your heel towards your buttocks.
- Hold onto your right ankle with your right hand and pull your heel closer to your buttocks with gentle pressure.
- Hold for 20 seconds and then switch legs.
6. Leg Extensions
Leg extensions help strengthen the quadriceps muscles, which support the knee joint. To do this exercise:.
- Sit on a chair with your back straight and feet flat on the floor.
- Lift one foot off the floor and straighten your leg in front of you.
- Hold for 5 seconds and then lower your foot back down to the floor.
- Do 10 repetitions and then switch legs.
7. Knee to Chest
Knee to chest stretch helps stretch the hip flexor muscles, which can become tight and cause knee pain. To do this exercise:.
- Lie on your back with your legs straight.
- Slowly bring one knee towards your chest, holding onto your thigh or shin with both hands.
- Hold for 20 seconds and then switch legs.
8. Quad and Hip Flexor Stretch
Quad and hip flexor stretch help stretch the quadriceps and hip flexor muscles, which can cause knee pain when tight. To do this exercise:.
- Kneel on your left knee with your right foot flat on the floor in front of you.
- Lean forward, bending your right knee, and hold onto your right ankle with your right hand.
- Hold for 20 seconds and then switch sides.
9. Clamshells
Clamshells help strengthen the hip abductor muscles, which support the knee joint. To do this exercise:.
- Lie on your side with your legs bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Keeping your feet together, lift your top knee as high as you can without moving your pelvis.
- Hold for 5 seconds and then lower your knee back down.
- Do 10 repetitions and then switch sides.
10. Glute Bridges
Glute bridges help strengthen the gluteal muscles, which support the hip and knee joint. To do this exercise:.
- Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
- Lift your hips off the ground, squeezing your glutes, until your body forms a straight line from your knees to your shoulders.
- Hold for 5 seconds and then lower your hips back down.
- Do 10 repetitions.
These exercises can help relieve knee pain and improve knee function. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise regimen, especially if you have a history of knee problems or injuries.