3 Reported Benefits of Walking for Osteoarthritic Hip or Knee Pain
If you have painful knees or hips due to arthritis, walking may offer several potential benefits. Here are a few ways walking reportedly helps some people with arthritic joints.
If you have painful knees or hips due to arthritis, walking may offer several potential benefits. Here are a few ways walking reportedly helps some people with arthritic joints.
When you have stiff and painful knees or hips due to arthritis, the thought of walking every day may seem out of reach or even counterproductive. You might worry that physical activity will make things worse; that’s why it’s important to talk to a doctor – to see what exercise is right for your specific condition.
1. Walking can ease arthritis pain – and more
According to the Arthritis Foundation, exercise is "the most effective, non-drug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement in patients with osteoarthritis."1
Walking can help by:2-3
2. Walking can help you build confidence
There may be things you aren't able to do anymore because of your arthritis pain. Losing your sense of independence or missing out on your favorite activities can be difficult to cope with.
Fortunately, walking is a simple, low-impact activity for most of us. Knowing that you are taking meaningful steps to improve your health just by going for a daily stroll might help you feel more in control over your health.
Since a consistent walking routine can also reduce your hip or knee pain, you'll hopefully feel even more confident as you go about your daily activities. As a bonus, walking can help you spend time and socialize with loved ones.
3. It's free
Between co-pays, medications, transportation costs, supplements, and other expenses, your chronic pain condition can come with a hefty price tag. Joining a gym, hiring a personal trainer, or buying exercise equipment may not be something you're interested in nor able to do based on your budget.
Thankfully, walking is free. All you need is a sturdy pair of shoes and somewhere safe to go for a stroll, such as around your neighborhood, through your local park, or at the mall.
You don't even need to invest a lot of time into your daily walks, either. As little as 10 minutes of brisk walking per day can be enough to provide meaningful improvements in your arthritis symptoms.4
Before you begin any new exercise routine, remember to: