As we age new things start to hurt and nothing can be more aggravating than a painful knee. Knee pain can make it difficult to do anything active at all. To help keep our knees healthy, it is important we maintain proper strength and proper flexibility throughout our body.
The knee is the middle child of our lower body, “It is stuck between our hip and our ankle, and like the middle child, its gets blamed for everything!”
When we don’t have proper muscle balance and flexibility in our ankles and our hips, the knee has to make up the difference. When the knee has to work overtime it can cause pain, tightness, or joint degeneration (arthritis). Having the proper muscle balance in our hips, thighs, and ankles decreases our likelihood for knee pain.
Here are a couple exercises to help increase flexibility in our hips, thighs, and ankles.
When performing new exercises always use your best judgement. If the exercise
hurts or you have trouble balancing, it may not be the best exercise for you.
When performing stretches never force the stretch. You are stretching too hard if
it feels like something is tearing or you get warmness in the area.
Other things that can help with knee pain include:
– Proper strengthening of the hips and abdomen
– Soft tissue work to the hips, thighs, and lower leg
– Eating anti-inflammatory foods
– Acupuncture/Dry Needling
– Addressing walking/running biomechanics
If you are having any aches and pains always consult a Doctor for advice. Follow us next week on the blog for more health tips.
Dr. Ryan Dunn D.C.
Mile High Spine and Sport
Mile High Spine and Sport is a lead Colorado provider for chiropractic care,
acupuncture, sports rehabilitation, pediatric rehabilitation, nutrition, and soft
tissue work. Mile High Spine and Sport treats spine and extremity conditions and
uses supplements and nutrition to help with existing medical issues. Mile High
Spine and Sport takes pride in helping people get better fast. Most conditions
respond to treatment and home exercises within 1-3 visits.
For appointments or more information please visit our site or call 720-446-9998
