Exercise benefits your overall health but if you've got sore hips and knees, the physical pain can be enough to keep you from exercising. Whether you've suffered an injury or have joint pain due to arthritis or another health condition, you can make accommodations to make exercise less painful.
Managing Joint Pain
If sore knees and hips are caused by overuse or vigorous exercises, you may need to take some time off from exercise to let the injury heal. If your joint pain is caused by arthritis, regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, can help control inflammation, swelling and pain in the joints. You can also soothe your joints with massage, soaking in a warm bath and regular stretching, in addition to regular low-impact exercise.
Exercise and Joint Pain
When joints are aching, stiff and sore, exercise can help alleviate those symptoms. Exercise should gently stretch and strengthen muscles without jarring them with a heavy impact from activities such as running. Exercise should be done regularly to maintain joint flexibility, but you should never exercise to the point of pain.
Swimming and Walking
Swimming and walking are two of the best workouts for sore hips and knees. When you've got joint pain, swimming can strengthen muscles and burn calories while offering a protective buffer with the water. Walking in a pair of comfortable shoes with good cushion and support can also promote better joint health without causing pain.
Yoga
Yoga can improve flexibility and range of motion in the joints, strengthen muscles and ease pain and soreness in the joints. Regular yoga practice is gentle on the hips and knees, and won't aggravate sore joints while the exercise helps strengthen them. Yoga, when practiced in combination with other low-impact exercises, can improve joint health and function.
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