Knee pain can be extremely debilitating and can significantly impact your daily activities. Whether you’re an athlete or someone who leads a relatively sedentary lifestyle, knee pain can affect anyone.
While there are various causes of knee pain, incorporating specific exercises into your routine can help provide relief and strengthen the muscles surrounding your knees. In this article, we will explore ten effective exercises that can ease knee pain and improve mobility.
1. Leg Extensions
To perform leg extensions, sit on a chair with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor. Extend one leg out in front of you, straightening the knee as much as possible.
Hold this position for a few seconds and then slowly lower the leg back down. Repeat this exercise for both legs, aiming for 10-15 repetitions for each leg.
2. Hamstring Curls
Lie face down on a mat or a comfortable surface. Bend one knee and bring your heel towards your buttocks, until you feel a contraction in your hamstring muscles. Hold this position for a few seconds and then slowly lower the leg back down.
Repeat this exercise for ten repetitions on each leg.
3. Step-Ups
Find a step or platform that is approximately knee-height. Step onto the platform with one foot and raise your body up until the knee is fully extended.
Carefully step back down and repeat this exercise on the same leg for 10-12 repetitions before switching to the other leg.
4. Wall Squats
Stand with your back against a wall and your feet hip-width apart. Slowly lower yourself into a squatting position, ensuring your knees are parallel to your toes. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds and then slowly stand back up.
Repeat this exercise for 8-10 repetitions.
5. Straight Leg Raises
Lie on your back on a mat with one leg bent and the other straight. Slowly raise the straight leg until it is parallel to the floor. Hold for a few seconds and then gently lower it back down. Repeat this exercise for 10-12 repetitions on each leg.
6. Clamshells
Lie on your side with your legs bent at a 45-degree angle. Keep your feet together and open your knees as far as possible without any discomfort. Hold this position for a few seconds and then close your knees back together.
Repeat this exercise for 10-12 repetitions on each side.
7. Calf Raises
Stand on the edge of a step or a curb, with the balls of your feet on the step and your heels hanging off the edge. Slowly raise your heels as high as possible, then lower them back down. Repeat this exercise for 10-15 repetitions.
8. Glute Bridges
Lie on your back on a mat with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Slowly lift your buttocks off the ground until your body forms a straight line from your knees to your shoulders.
Hold this position for a few seconds and then lower your buttocks back down. Repeat this exercise for 10-12 repetitions.
9. Quadriceps Stretch
Stand near a wall or use a chair for balance. Bend one knee and bring your foot towards your buttocks, trying to grab your ankle. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds and then release. Repeat this stretch on each leg two or three times.
10. IT Band Stretch
Stand next to a wall or use a chair for balance. Cross one leg behind the other, keeping your feet planted on the ground. Lean your upper body away from the crossed leg until you feel a stretch on the side of your hip.
Hold this position for 20-30 seconds and then switch sides. Repeat this stretch on each side two or three times.