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| Knee
Problem Prevention |
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How Can People Prevent Knee
Problems?
Some knee problems, such as those resulting from an accident,
cannot be foreseen or prevented. However, a person can prevent
many knee problems by following these suggestions:
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First warm up by walking or riding a stationary bicycle, then do
stretches before exercising or participating in sports.
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Stretching the muscles in the front of the thigh (quadriceps)
and back of the thigh (hamstrings) reduces tension on the
tendons and relieves pressure on the knee during activity.
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Strengthen the leg muscles by doing specific exercises (for
example, by walking up stairs or hills, or by riding a
stationary bicycle). A supervised workout with weights is
another pathway to strengthening leg muscles that benefit the
knee.
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Avoid sudden changes in the intensity of exercise. Increase the
force or duration of activity gradually.
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Wear shoes that both fit properly and are in good condition to
help maintain balance and leg alignment when walking or running.
Knee problems may be caused by flat feet or overpronated feet
(feet that roll inward).
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People can often reduce some these problems by wearing special
shoe inserts (orthotics).
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Maintain appropriate weight to reduce stress on the knee.
Obesity increases the risk of degenerative (wearing) conditions
such as osteoarthritis of the knee. |
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