Knee pain is a common issue, affecting about one in four adults. Overuse and osteoarthritis are among the main causes, according to The New York Times. Experts note that the knee is one of the most heavily used joints in the body.
Marci A. Goolsby, MD, a sports medicine physician at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), recommends specific workouts to help protect knees by focusing on strengthening the muscles around them.
Building and maintaining both strength and flexibility near the joint can provide benefits, Dr. Goolsby explained. “The muscles act as shock absorbers,” she said. While no exercise regimen can guarantee pain-free knees, lower body strength training may help prevent or reduce discomfort.
Dr. Goolsby highlighted the importance of quadriceps muscles for knee stability and function. “They act like the knees’ scaffolding,” she said. Weakness in these muscles can increase pressure on the joint, while tightness may pull the knee out of alignment.
For more information, readers can access the full article at nytimes.com.
