A painful knee that gets better when walking may be related to arthritis. Walking is a mild exercise that helps to reduce arthritic pain because it enhances lubrication and reduces stiffness. Even if you have a painful knee that gets better after you walk, it should be examined by a doctor to rule out a potential injury.
Physical Walking Benefits
Your knees often become inflamed, stiff and painful when you have arthritis. There are several conditions that can cause knee pain, but arthritis is one painful condition that is actually improved by walking. According to Arthritis Today, walking benefits many different body parts, and does a lot for arthritic knees. Walking increases synovial fluid production in the knee joint, keeping knees lubricated and reducing pain and stiffness. If your knee is very painful, it's best to talk to a doctor to make sure walking is an appropriate activity.
Psychological Walking Benefits
You may be worried about your very painful knee or about your arthritic condition. Getting out and walking is not only good for your knees, but good for your state of mind. The activity makes you feel better because it releases neurotransmitters that improve your mood and reduces cortisol, which is a stress hormone that makes you feel anxious and sad. You will also have the satisfaction of knowing that you are improving your health by reducing your risk of Alzheimer's disease, heart disease and stroke.
Start Slowly
Walking is a beneficial activity, but that doesn't mean you have to walk for long distances immediately to reap results. For example, The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center indicates that if your goal is to walk 30 minutes daily, three 10-minute sessions are just as beneficial. Walking too far during a flare may just result in more pain, inflammation and actual damage to the knee joint. Begin by walking a short distance and alternate exercise with periods of rest so you don't put a painful knee under too much stress.
Walk with a Buddy
Walking with a friend or family member can help you stick with your walking regimen and maintain your safety. Walking with someone else helps you stick to your program because you have company, which makes you feel safer and gives you someone to talk to. Taking daily walks, as long as they are medically approved, might help you minimize your knee pain. If you don't have a person to walk with, consider walking your dog or a neighbor's. The walk might be pleasant with an animal and help you stick to your routine.
