Are you experiencing persistent knee pain that seems to worsen over time? You might be dealing with knee arthritis, a common condition affecting millions worldwide. As a leading knee arthritis doctor in Riverhead, Dr. Petraco understands the challenges faced by individuals dealing with this debilitating condition. Here are some factors that can exacerbate knee arthritis symptoms and ways to find relief.
Factors That Lead To Knee Arthritis Symptoms
- Excess Weight: Carrying excess weight adds stress to your knees, exacerbating arthritis symptoms. Each pound of excess weight translates to additional pressure on your knees when you walk, climb stairs, or engage in physical activity. Ensuring a balanced diet and engaging in regular exercise can help reduce knee discomfort and enhance mobility.
- Lack of Physical Activity: While overexertion can worsen arthritis symptoms, a sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to the problem. Consistent physical activity fortifies the muscles around your knees, offering added support and lessening discomfort. Gentle, low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and walking are kind to the joints and are advantageous for those managing knee arthritis.
- Poor Posture and Alignment: Incorrect posture and alignment can strain your knees, worsening arthritis symptoms. It’s crucial to uphold correct posture during sitting, standing, and walking to minimize strain on your knees. Furthermore, donning supportive footwear with ample cushioning and arch support can enhance alignment and relieve knee discomfort.
- Injury and Trauma: Past injuries or trauma to the knee joint, such as fractures or ligament tears, may elevate the likelihood of arthritis onset in later years. These incidents can disturb the usual knee joint structure, hastening wear and tear over time. Prompt medical intervention for knee injuries and adherence to a thorough rehabilitation regimen can mitigate the enduring effects on joint well-being.
- Genetic Factors: Genetics play a role in determining your susceptibility to arthritis. If you have a family history of arthritis, you may be at a higher risk of developing the condition. While you can’t change your genetic makeup, adopting a healthy lifestyle and following the advice of a skilled orthopedic specialist like Dr. Petraco can help manage symptoms and preserve joint function.
Contact Our Knee Arthritis Doctor in Riverhead
Several factors can exacerbate knee arthritis symptoms, including excess weight, lack of physical activity, poor posture, previous injuries, and genetic predisposition. By addressing these factors and seeking appropriate medical care, you can effectively manage knee arthritis and improve your quality of life. If you’re seeking expert guidance on managing knee arthritis, request a consultation with Dr. Petraco, a trusted knee arthritis doctor in Riverhead, today.