07/02/2026
When it comes to managing Knee Arthritis, movement is actually one of your best "medicines."
While it might feel counterintuitive to exercise a joint that hurts, gentle, targeted movements help lubricate the joint and strengthen the muscles that support it.
Why Exercise Helps:
Muscle Support: Strengthening the muscles around the knee (like your quadriceps and hamstrings) acts like a "natural brace," taking the pressure off the bone-on-bone contact.
Increased Flexibility: Arthritis can make joints stiff. Regular stretching helps maintain your range of motion so you can perform daily tasks like walking or climbing stairs.
Joint Lubrication: Movement encourages the production of synovial fluid, which acts as a natural lubricant for your cartilage.
Here is a simple, step-by-step description of the five exercises featured in the infographic to help you perform them with the correct technique:
1. Quad Sets:
Purpose: To wake up the thigh muscles (quadriceps) without moving the joint.
How to do it: Lie on your back with your legs straight. Tighten the muscle on the top of your thigh by pushing the back of your knee down into the bed or a rolled-up towel.
Hold: 5 seconds, then relax.
2. Straight Leg Raise:
Purpose: To strengthen the hip and thigh muscles while keeping the knee protected.
How to do it: Lie on your back. Bend one knee with your foot flat on the floor. Keep the other leg straight and lift it about 6 to 10 inches off the ground.
Hold: 3 seconds, then lower it slowly.
3. Heel Slides:
Purpose: To improve the range of motion (bending) of the knee.
How to do it: Lie on your back with legs straight. Slowly slide your heel toward your buttocks, bending the knee as far as comfortable.
Tip: Keep your foot in contact with the floor at all times. Use a plastic bag or a smooth surface to make it slide easier.
4. Seated Knee Extension:
Purpose: To build strength in the quadriceps while sitting.
How to do it: Sit upright in a firm chair. Slowly straighten one leg out in front of you until it is horizontal. Point your toes toward the ceiling.
Hold: Squeeze the thigh muscle at the top for 2 seconds, then slowly lower.
5. Hamstring Stretch:
Purpose: To reduce tension in the back of the leg, which can pull on the knee joint.
How to do it: Lie on your back. Loop a towel or a strap around the ball of your foot. Keeping your leg straight (or with a very slight micro-bend), gently pull the strap to lift your leg until you feel a pull behind the thigh.
Hold: 20 to 30 seconds, breathing deeply.