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Last Updated: Aug 29, 2019
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Dr. Saseendar Arthroscopy SurgeonOrthopedic Doctor • 18 Years Exp.MBBS, MS Ortho, DNB (Orthopedics), Dip SICOT (Belgium), FISOC (USA), MNAMS (Ortho), FASM (Singapore)
I have knee pain from osteoarthritis. Am I allowed to walk?

This is the question most elderly patients from all walks of life ask me, be it a learned advocate or the local farmer.

Guess the answer? it is a big yes!

Knee osteoarthritis is the wear and tear that happens in the knee joint. At times we fail to understand that our knees also age along with us! so they may not be in a situation to behave the save way they behaved 20 years back, when you used cycle or trot a few miles to your school or college or the way you were comfortable squatting or kneeling whether it is fit sanitary purposes or religious causes

The fact is the knees have to be tamed well and should not be battered the same way as it was a few decades back!

Now coming to our original discussion, yes, you are allowed to walk!

But how do you do it when you are already suffering from pain?

You could rest your knees for a few days - usually a week, if you have severe pain. Your doctor could help you with some low dose pain killer tablets and ointments. On top of it all, the single best way to reduce your knee pain is lifestyle modifications!

What's the lifestyle modification we are talking about?

1) no climbing up or down stairs!

2) no sitting on and getting up from the floor!

3) no kneeling! and

4) a big no to squatting in the toilet!

Doctor, you must be kidding! how am I supposed to live without these?

Restrict the number of times you climb stairs.

Use a chair/sofa to sit! at unavoidable situations, use a stable support to sit on the floor and then to get up! do not place too much stress on your knees when you get up from the floor!

Absolutely no kneeling! for religious prayers, use a shall flat stool to sit and offer your prayers, but do not kneel!

Use a western (raised) toilet commode for sanitation! if you can't afford to change your present indian ones, use a wooden/plastic raised seat with a central opening temporarily until you can arrange a permanent raised one!

Should I spend time walking or not?

Yes you should!

Walking helps to rebuild the joint!

Walking strengthens the thigh and leg muscles!

Walking helps you lose weight!

Walking keeps your body active and prevents lethargy!

Last but not the least!

Walking pacifies the mind and prevents psychological problems!

So what are you waiting for?
Get out your shoes and burn your calories!

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