Osteoarthritis of the knee is a painful degenerative joint disease and the most common type of arthritis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly half of adult Americans are at risk for developing the condition in one or more knees, with obese adults being at even higher risk. Fortunately, knee joint degeneration might be preventable with lifestyle changes, weight loss and exercise. Consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine, especially if you suffer from an existing health condition.
Step 1
Begin exercising gradually if you currently lead an inactive lifestyle. Pushing yourself too hard will exhaust your muscles and strain your knee joints. Build up the frequency and intensity of your exercise routine over time to ensure that you do not damage your joints.
Step 2
Choose low-impact exercises to avoid the stress high-impact activities have on your knee joints. High-impact exercise, such as tennis and running, increases the risk of knee joint degeneration and osteoarthritis, according to Dr. Thomas M. Link of the University of California, San Francisco.
Step 3
Avoid activities that require you to bend your knees repeatedly, such as stair climbing and squatting, as these exercises can cause cartilage abnormalities.
Step 4
Engage in one or more types of light exercise at least three times per week. Swimming, walking and using an elliptical trainer might help protect your knees against degeneration. Regular exercise offers the added benefit of assisting with weight loss, which can further protect your joints.
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