Exercise Can Help Ease Knee Pain

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

ROCHESTER, Minn. — Pain in the kneecap is a common problem — with many causes. Often, recovery includes exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the knee, as well as stretching tight muscles and thighs, according to the December issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

A combination of factors keeps the kneecap, called the patella, in its appropriate place. When it's out of alignment, the patella and femur, the large thigh bone, become stressed. That stress can cause pain with activity.

Factors that can contribute to misalignment include flat feet, weak hip muscles, which cause the femur to move out of its precise alignment under the patella, leg length differences, tight muscles on the front and back of the upper leg, weak quadriceps or tight tendons.

Effective treatment usually involves identifying and addressing the cause and modifying activities accordingly. Applying ice to the knee for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day can help, as well as taking acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) as directed.

A doctor or physical therapist can recommend simple at-home exercises and stretches that can help most people reduce knee pain, including hamstring stretches and exercises that strengthen leg muscles. Doing the recommended activities twice daily for four to six weeks is generally suggested. After that, a maintenance program of exercises and stretches three to four times a week helps stabilize the knee.

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