Menu
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result
eMediHealth Logo
Subscribe
No Result
View All Result

Home > Bones & Joints > How to Strengthen Your Knees: Exercises, Diet, and Self-Care Tips

How to Strengthen Your Knees: Exercises, Diet, and Self-Care Tips

March 13, 2023
11 min read
By Dr. Arif Maghribi Khan, MBBS, MD | Mental Health Counselor

In this article:

  • Exercises to Strengthen the Knees
  • What Is a Good Diet to Strengthen the Knees?
  • Symptoms of Weak Knees
  • What Are the Warning Signs of Knee Problems That Shouldn’t Be Ignored?
  • What Can Be Done at Home for Knee Pain?
  • When to See a Doctor
  • Most-Asked Questions About Knee Strengthening
  • Final Word

Healthy knees are extremely important in carrying on day-to-day activities and chores. Knee joints help you in walking, climbing stairs, running, jumping, sitting, and changing your posture.

how to strengthen your knees

It is very important for your knees to be in the pink of health to ensure a good quality of life. The knee joints are the largest joint in the body, but because of how much they are used, they can very easily be injured.

Also with age, the knee joints can become weaker. Thus, it is extremely important to perform exercises and adopt good habits that are good for strengthening your knees and the muscles surrounding them. (1)

Although knee pain is mostly seen in the elderly, anyone can get it, irrespective of age. People who are into sports or athletes are more prone to knee injuries and knee pain. Knee pain is also seen in those who suffer from arthritis, which is a very common health issue nowadays.

Advertisements

The best way to strengthen your knees is by performing a few types of exercises regularly. (2)

Exercises to Strengthen the Knees

Regular exercise can make you healthy and happy, but there’s a risk of getting hurt if you don’t take the proper precautions. This is especially true if you exercise too much or have a medical condition that you’re not aware of.

To avoid injury, it’s important to talk to a physiotherapist before starting any exercise routine and to be aware of any preexisting medical conditions. (2)

The following are some exercises that can maintain and improve the strength of your knees.

1. Hamstring curls

Hamstring curls can help make your hamstrings and gluteal muscles strong. Hamstrings are muscles in your legs that you can control and help you move. The gluteal muscles are big muscles that help keep your upper body upright.

how to perform hamstring curls to strengthen weak knees

To perform hamstring curls:

  1. Stand straight and take support from one side by putting your hand on a table or an elevated surface.
  2. Bend one leg behind. You have to lift it till it makes a 90° angle with your upper body.
  3. Hold it up for a few seconds and then slowly bring it back down.
  4. Do this 3–5 times for each leg. (3)

2. Step downs

The step-down exercise is good for your hamstrings and gluteal muscles and strengthens your quadriceps as well.

Advertisements
how to do step downs to strengthen your knees

To perform step downs:

  1. Place one leg on a slightly elevated surface; it should not be taller than a few inches. The other leg will not be on the surface but it should be hanging right next to it.
  2. Using the leg that is hanging, touch the floor as you step down and then step up again.
  3. Do this for a few seconds and then repeat with your other leg hanging this time. (3)(4)

Only slightly bend your knees as you step up and down and not at a 90° angle. Also, ensure that you balance yourself well on one leg elevated slightly higher than the other.

3. Leg lifts

Leg lifts are good for your quadriceps and your abdominal muscles.

how to perform leg lifts to achieve strong knees

To perform leg lifts:

  1. Lie on your back and keep your hands to the side.
  2. Keep one of your legs bent with your foot touching the ground and the other leg straight.
  3. Lift the straight leg without moving the other leg or your hands. Try to lift it as much as you can but make sure it is not higher than the bent knee of the other leg.
  4. Hold it in the lifted position for a few seconds, and then slowly bring it back down.
  5. Repeat 2–3 times for both legs. (5)

When you are lifting your leg, do it gently and not with a lot of force. Keep your back straight on the floor and do not arch your back: there should be no space between your back and the ground.

4. Squats with support

Squats with support are another exercise that works very well in strengthening your quadriceps and gluteal muscles. In this exercise, all you have to do is squat but you take support from a wall.

squatting with support can also help in strengthening your knees

To perform squats with support:

  1. Stand in front of a wall with your back and buttocks pressed against the wall. Keep your feet a few inches away from the wall.
  2. Slide down the wall gently as you come into a seated position.
  3. Hold for a few seconds, and then rise back up.
  4. Repeat the exercise a few times. (6)

Make sure that you squat up and down gently and do not be too fast with it. Your exercises should be smooth to avoid any jerks or injury.

5. Stretching

Stretching your hamstrings is a good way of maintaining the strength of your legs strengthened. One of the most famous and extremely simple stretching exercises is touching the toes.

Advertisements
perform hamstring stretches to strengthen your knees

To perform a hamstring stretch:

  1. Stand with your feet close to each other.
  2. Slowly bend and stretch your arms downward as you try to touch your toes.
  3. Hold it for a few seconds and try to get your fingers as close to your toes as possible.

Do not continue or hold for too long if the stretch is causing pain. (7)

What Is a Good Diet to Strengthen the Knees?

You can include several foods that will keep your joints strong in your diet.

An anti-inflammatory diet is the best way to go. Also, try to eat food that is not processed, does not contain trans fats, or is fried.

Here are some of the foods that are good for knee joints:

1. Cherries

Cherries are anti-inflammatory and are good for your joints. They’re also good for preventing arthritis. (8)

2. Bell peppers

Bell peppers are very rich in vitamin C, which helps in keeping your ligaments and tendons healthy, which, in turn, is good for your joints.

Advertisements

Other foods that are high in vitamin C include tomatoes, pineapple, and citrus fruits such as oranges. (9)

3. Salmon

Salmon contains high amounts of calcium, which contributes to strong bones. It also helps avoid inflammation. (10)

Symptoms of Weak Knees

signs and symptoms indicative of weak knees

According to research and experts, some symptoms of weak knees may include: (11)

Advertisements
  • Pain or discomfort in the knee joint during or after physical activity.
  • Stiffness or limited range of motion in the knee joint.
  • Swelling or inflammation in the knee joint.
  • A popping or cracking sound when moving the knee joint.
  • Difficulty bearing weight on the affected knee.
  • Instability or a feeling that the knee may give out or buckle under pressure.

It’s important to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, as they may be indicative of a more serious knee condition such as osteoarthritis.

What Are the Warning Signs of Knee Problems That Shouldn’t Be Ignored?

Here are some warning signs of knee problems that you should not ignore: (12)(11)

  1. Redness, swelling, warmth, and difficulty moving your knee could be signs of a knee problem.
  2. A fever along with knee pain or discomfort may be a sign of an infection.
  3. If you’re a sexually active young adult and experience sudden joint pain in your knee, seek medical attention as it could be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection.
  4. A skin break or wound near your knee that becomes swollen and red could be a sign of an infection in the joint.
  5. If you have a bleeding disorder, are taking blood-thinning medication, or have hemoglobinopathy, it’s important to be aware that you may be at higher risk of knee problems. Seek medical attention if you experience any knee pain or discomfort.
  6. If you experience symptoms throughout your body, such as fatigue, weakness, or weight loss, along with knee pain or discomfort, see a doctor as these could indicate a more serious condition.

What Can Be Done at Home for Knee Pain?

self-care tips to manage and prevent knee pain

According to research on home-based management of knee osteoarthritis, there are several things you can do at home if you have knee pain, including:

  • Regular exercise, such as low-impact activities including walking, swimming, and cycling.
  • Applying ice or heat therapy to the affected knee.
  • Taking over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as directed by your healthcare provider.
  • Using assistive devices, such as a knee brace or cane, to reduce pressure on the knee joint.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee joint.
  • Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, to manage pain and reduce stress levels.

It’s important to note that these home-based management strategies are not substitutes for proper medical treatment, and you should always consult with a doctor before starting any new exercise or treatment plan for knee pain.

Note: As a rule, experts say that patients with a history of gastrointestinal bleeding should never take strong painkillers orally. (13)

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor for knee pain if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe pain, swelling, or redness around the knee
  • Difficulty moving your knee or putting weight on it
  • Knee pain that lasts more than a few days, even with rest and over-the-counter pain medication
  • A popping sound or sensation at the time of injury
  • Pain that occurs at night or while resting
  • Knee instability or feeling like your knee may give out
  • Signs of infection, such as fever, redness, warmth, or drainage around the knee

Most-Asked Questions About Knee Strengthening

Why should I perform knee-strengthening exercises regularly?

Although knee-strengthening exercises will not directly affect your knee joint positively, they are responsible for strengthening the muscles surrounding your knees.

If the muscles around the knees are strong, they will provide your leg enough strength to give your knee the right support. This support is important to ensure that there is no strain on the joint, which also ensures that they remain healthy.

A person who performs knee-strengthening exercises regularly experiences less pain and knee injury. (7)(3)

If you are already experiencing pain before performing exercises, you should first consult a doctor before trying any exercise by yourself. Also, if you experience sharp pain while performing these exercises, seek medical advice at once.

Is it important to warm up before performing any strengthening exercises?

It is always best to start with a few warmup exercises before getting into the actual knee-strengthening exercises. You can warm up by doing aerobic activities such as cycling, jogging, walking, and aerobics. (14)

Warming up is important because it allows your muscles to be more flexible and prepare them for the exercises you are about to perform by increasing blood flow to the muscles.

What are the medical reasons that can cause knee problems?

medical reasons and risk factors for knee problems

According to a prospective study, the medical reasons that can cause knee problems and their risk factors are:

  • Age
  • Obesity
  • Previous knee injury
  • Occupational physical activity
  • Prolonged standing or walking
  • Strenuous sports or exercise
  • Poor muscle strength or flexibility
  • Malalignment of the knee joint
  • Familial predisposition
  • Systemic diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis
  • Arthritis

It’s important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment if you experience knee pain. (15)

What is needed for the diagnosis of serious knee issues?

To diagnose serious knee issues, it’s important for the doctor to know your medical history, especially if you’ve had knee problems before such as arthritis or other conditions that may cause knee pain.

The doctor will also ask about any medications you’re taking, including steroids, as they can affect your knee health. If you’re experiencing knee pain or discomfort, it’s important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Final Word

In conclusion, strong knees are crucial for leading a healthy and active lifestyle. With age and overuse, knee joints can become weak, leading to pain and injuries. Therefore, incorporating exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles around the knee joint is essential.

In addition, an anti-inflammatory diet that includes foods such as cherries and bell peppers can be helpful in maintaining joint health.

Before starting any exercise routine, consulting a physiotherapist is important, especially if one has pre-existing medical conditions. By taking proper care of your knees, you can ensure that they continue to support yourself throughout your life.

References
  1. Gupton M, Imonugo O, Terreberry RR. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Knee. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; May 11, 2022.
  2. Juan C Mora, Rene Przkora, and Yenisel Cruz-Almeida. Knee osteoarthritis: pathophysiology and current treatment modalities. J Pain Res. 2018; 11: 2189–2196. Published online 2018 Oct 5. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S154002.
  3. Ashraf Ramadan Hafez,1 Ahmed H. Al-Johani,2 Abdul Rahim Zakaria,1 Abdulaziz Al-Ahaideb,3 Syamala Buragadda,4,* Ganeswara Rao Melam,4 and Shaji J. Kachanathu. J Phys Ther Sci. 2013 Nov; 25(11): 1401–1405. Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis in Relation to Hamstring and Quadriceps Strength. Published online 2013 Dec 11. doi: 10.1589/jpts.25.1401.
  4. Cara L. Lewis, 1 ,* Eric Foch, 2 Marc M. Luko, 1 Kari L. Loverro, 1 and Anne Khuu. Differences in Lower Extremity and Trunk Kinematics between Single Leg Squat and Step Down Tasks. PLoS One. 2015; 10(5): e0126258. Published online 2015 May 8. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126258.
  5. Kannus P, Alosa D, Cook L, et al. Effect of one-legged exercise on the strength, power and endurance of the contralateral leg. A randomized, controlled study using isometric and concentric isokinetic training. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1992;64(2):117-126. doi:10.1007/BF00717948.
  6. Yohei Takai,✉* Yuko Fukunaga,* Eiji Fujita,* Hisashi Mori,* Takaya Yoshimoto,* Masayoshi Yamamoto,* and Hiroaki Kanehisa. Effects of Body Mass-Based Squat Training in Adolescent Boys. J Sports Sci Med. 2013 Mar; 12(1): 60–65. Published online 2013 Mar 1.
  7. Farahnaz Ghaffarinejad, Shohreh Taghizadeh, and Farshid Mohammadi. Effect of static stretching of muscles surrounding the knee on knee joint position sense. Br J Sports Med. 2007 Oct; 41(10): 684–687. Published online 2007 May 17. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.2006.032425.
  8. Darshan S. Kelley, Yuriko Adkins, and Kevin D. Laugero. A Review of the Health Benefits of Cherries. Nutrients. 2018 Mar; 10(3): 368. Published online 2018 Mar 17. doi: 10.3390/nu10030368.
  9. Shaherin Basith, Minghua Cui, Sunhye Hong, and Sun Choi. Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of Capsaicin and Its Analogues in Pain and Other Diseases. Molecules. 2016 Aug; 21(8): 966. Published online 2016 Jul 23. doi: 10.3390/molecules21080966.
  10. Adeyemi WJ, Olayaki LA. Effects of Salmon Calcitonin and Omega – 3 Fatty Acids on Glucoregulatory Indices, Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Markers in Experimental Knee Osteoarthritis in Wistar Rats. Niger J Physiol Sci. 2017;32(2):179-188. Published 2017 Dec 30.
  11. Hsu H, Siwiec RM. Knee Osteoarthritis. [Updated 2022 Sep 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507884/.
  12. Heidari B. Knee osteoarthritis prevalence, risk factors, pathogenesis and features: Part I. Caspian J Intern Med. 2011;2(2):205-212.
  13. Karasavvidis T, Hirschmann MT, Kort NP, Terzidis I, Totlis T. Home-based management of knee osteoarthritis during COVID-19 pandemic: literature review and evidence-based recommendations. J Exp Orthop. 2020;7(1):52. Published 2020 Jul 19. doi:10.1186/s40634-020-00271-5.
  14. McGowan CJ, Pyne DB, Thompson KG, Rattray B. Warm-Up Strategies for Sport and Exercise: Mechanisms and Applications. Sports Med. 2015;45(11):1523-1546. doi:10.1007/s40279-015-0376-x.
  15. A prospective study on knee pain and its risk factors – oarsijournal.com. (n.d.). Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://www.oarsijournal.com/article/S1063-4584(02)90796-X/pdf.

 

  • Was this article helpful?
  • YES, THANKS!NOT REALLY
Spread the Love❤️
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements
Advertisements

Newsletter

Get our BEST updates delivered to your inbox:



This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Categories

  • Nutrition
  • Wellness
  • Oral Care
  • Eye Care
  • Heart Health
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Women’s Health
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Respiratory Health

Links

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Cookie Policy
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Subscribe to Newsletter
eMediHealth

This site provides content for informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended for use as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In case of a medical concern or emergency, please consult your healthcare provider.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation.

Our Network: Little Extra

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Nutrition
  • Skin & Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Yoga & Meditation
  • Women’s Health
  • Heart Health
  • Allergy & Immunology
  • Bones & Joints
  • Child Health
  • Digestive
  • Ear, Nose & Throat
  • Eye Care
  • Glands & Hormones
  • Health News
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Mental Health
  • Nervous System
  • Oral Care
  • Pain Management
  • Respiratory Health
  • Sleep Disorders
  • Urological Health

© 2019 eMediHealth. All rights reserved.