If you’re experiencing joint pain in the knees, the solution might be to walk it off.
Aerobic exercise can reduce pain, improve movement and enhance quality of life for patients with knee osteoarthritis, according to a study published October 15 in the journal The BMJ.
Around 1 in 5 adults, or 54 million people, are affected by some type of arthritis in the United States. The most common form is osteoarthritis.
“Osteoarthritis is wear and tear of cartilage, or the covering at the end of bones, which leads to pain, stiffness and decreased joint function,” said Dr. Antonia F. Chen, chair and professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, via email. She was not involved in the study.
“It is incredibly common — sources have estimated that 80% of adults greater than 55 years old have some arthritis, and 500 million people are affected by osteoarthritis worldwide.”
Some causes of osteoarthritis include injury, preexisting joint disease, specific metabolic diseases such as obesity or type 2 diabetes, and genetics.
Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of chronic disability, and one of the most commonly affected joints is the knee. While knee osteoarthritis isn’t reversible, there are ways to reduce pain.