What are the exercises recommended for osteoarthritis?
Answered by: Hansa Kanuga
| Consultant Physiotherapist,
Apollo clinic,
Vadodara.
Q: What are the exercises and diet to be followed for osteoarthritis in the left knee?
A:The following are some exercises for osteoarthritis of the left knee:
Sit at the edge of your bed. Swing your left knee rhythmically.
Sit at the edge of the bed. Tie a 2 kg weight at the left ankle and raise your leg straight. Relax. Repeat for 10 counts and gradually increase the weight upto 5 kg.
Sit with your legs straight. Press your left knee and relax. Do it for 5 minutes.
Roll a pillow and put under your left knee. Raise your leg till it is straight and relax.
Do exercise 4 with weights as in exercise 3.
Lie down straight. Point your toes of the left leg down and raise it straight up and bring it down. Relax. Do it for 10 counts.
The following are some helpful tips to help you improve your condition further:
Get adequate rest.
Do exercises at the time of the day when you feel the least pain.
Dress warmly during monsoons and winter.
Wear a knee cap while climbing stairs.
Use good posture. Practice proper ways to lift, stand and sit.
Conserve energy when possible.
A word for your diet. Avoid using tea, coffee, alcohol and tobacco. These along with a high fat diet, can reduce cartilage health.
I hope these tips help you to improve your condition.
