Exercise for Osteoarthritis of the Knees

Carson, Elizabeth

Item

Exercise for Osteoarthritis of the Knees

Carson, Elizabeth

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Abstract

Osteoarthritis of the knees is considered by many patients to be a barrier to exercise. It is common in primary care to hear patients express the fear that exercise will make their arthritis pain worse. Not only has exercise been shown to reduce joint pain and stiffness, as well as improve quality of life for arthritis sufferers, but it is a key component of weight loss. Weight loss is a major risk factor for developing arthritis, and no arthritis treatment is complete without addressing weight loss for overweight patients. This educational article is designed to provide patients with simple answers to frequently asked questions about arthritis and exercise.