Painful knees are almost considered normal in older people and are in most cases due to osteoarthritis. The wear and tear of the cartilage in the joints causes varying degrees of pain, stiffness and swelling. The majority of Germans aged 70 or over are affected by this, as these statistics show. However, there are prevention and coping strategies that can help seniors with the disease stay active and enjoy a good quality of life. What can seniors do to relieve their knee pain?
Pay attention to your body weight if you have knee pain
We've been given this advice our whole lives, haven't we? Different people have different opinions about what it takes to maintain a healthy weight. Healthy eating and exercise are always a good decision. Try onalkaline diet, which means focusing primarily on plant-based foods such as fruit and vegetables, and making sure that moderate physical activity such as walking or Nordic walking is part of your everyday life.
Research shows that losing weight is the most effective way to combat knee osteoarthritis symptoms. A Danish study found that overweight patients who reduced their weight by more than 10 percent experienced significant improvements in pain and mobility,reports Ärztezeitung.de. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly is important for all seniors, but especially for those who suffer from knee pain.
Wear comfortable shoes
Most of us underestimate the impact that shoes have on our overall well-being. Incorrect footwear can have a negative impact on your back, hips and knees and cause pain. It is important that you wear the right shoes to avoid pain in your knees. Shoes that are one to one and a half centimeters high and have soft, springy soles that absorb hard impacts on the knee joint are best.
Do stretching exercises
Stretching is just as important as exercise for seniors suffering from knee problems. Stretching exercises that focus on the thighs, calves, glutes, and quadriceps are recommended.
A popular exercise, for example, is to grab your leg at the joint while standing and pull it towards your buttocks. If your knee can't handle this, you can try the following single-leg kneeling variations:
Invest in a stair lift
Climbing stairs is often particularly difficult and dangerous for seniors. In many cases, homeowners need to renovate their homes to meet the needs of their aging parents who cannot use the stairs. For example, a downstairs bedroom may be necessary to accommodate a senior with mobility issues. A stair lift ensures access to the entire house.
Stair lifts ensure safe and comfortable climbing up and down and eliminate the danger and fear of falling and injury. Stair lifts can be installed on both straight and curved stairs. The choice of rail and installation of the stair lift should best be done after aStaircase inspection with an expert advisorbe discussed. He will measure your stairs and tell you about the different options and features. This means the stair lift is perfectly adapted to your needs. The stair lift is also a practical solution for people with back problems, shortness of breath, heart disease, hip fractures or balance problems.
