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5 bad habits that can worsen knee pain

5 bad habits that can worsen knee pain

There are various causes of knee pain. For instance, landing incorrectly after a jump can twist your knee, ripping the tendons, cartilage, and muscles. Sometimes it is because of a disease like osteoarthritis, which typically causes long-term wear-and-tear of the knee. Whatever the reason, knee pain can be terrible, preventing you from performing daily chores. This article lists five bad habits that could be making your knee pain even worse.

Sitting for long periods
Those who suffer from knee pain do not wish to stress it too much. But sitting for a longer time or resting a lot can weaken the muscles, making your knee pain worse. So, figure out how to get going without harming your knee. A few activities for managing knee pain are swimming and water aerobics.

Strain from excess body weight
Every extra pound of body weight puts additional strain on your joints. Shedding this weight takes the pressure off your knees, relieving aches and pains and reducing your risk of arthritis. You do not need to lose 50 pounds in a day. Losing as little as five percent of body weight is a good start. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits and stay active.

Ignoring knee pain
Do not ignore any knee pain or injury, even if it is minor. Instead, take steps to treat the flares. Knee pain signs include swelling, a feeling of tightness, or prolonged pain that does not go away after activity modification. Listen to your body when it is telling you to stop.

Over-exercising
It is essential to stay active and maintain a daily exercise routine. But some high-impact activities like excessive running (especially on hard surfaces) or kickboxing can worsen joint pains. Stretching exercises like squats and lunges can also pressure the knees. Switch to softer surfaces like running trails or synthetic tracks if the cause of your knee pain is running.

Wearing improper footwear
Wearing high heels or ill-fitting shoes can worsen knee pain. So, choose the right pair of shoes when walking on high or low ground. Go for footwear with inner sole inserts that provide extra cushion support. It relieves the knee, hips, and back from additional stress. Further, maintain an upright posture when sitting and never slouch or lean.

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