Experiencing knee pain will get in the way of your everyday walking. Some of you may think it is time to let your parents stop walking when they do feel that. Exercising is crucial during this time in their lives, and quitting walking is not the solution at all. What matters is to find ways on how to get rid of the condition. Here is a list of walking tips for painful knees (essentially helpful if you notice that your parents are suffering from it).
Take Things Easy
As with other forms of exercise, walking requires starting at a slow pace in order to allow the muscles to lubricate the joints. Before even targeting to walk at a faster pace, warming up is essential. If you are new to walking, always find ways to ease into the exercise. Starting with less distance or duration at a lower speed is the key. As you progress, allow them to increase their pace accordingly. Guide your parents in this process.
Buy Them the Right Set of Footwear
There is proper footwear for walking, and if you want your loved ones not to suffer from knee pain, you have to choose a pair correctly. Never go for those with high heels, have pointed ends, or are heavy. If you notice that their shoes have worn soles, you need to buy them a new one. That comfortable pair of footwear will be good in absorbing shocks thus decreasing impact on the knees.
Choose the Surface They Must Walk On
Softer surfaces are better for starters since concrete surfaces can bear more impact on the knees. Sand, dirt place, or grass are better. The retirement community that you choose for them must have these surfaces for your loved ones to walk on. When your parents feel uneasy walking on the ground, focus on surfaces where they become more at ease. They can walk in the pool too. The deeper the surface they are walking on, the lesser the strain will be on their knees. Make sure someone is there to assist them when doing this.
Let them Lose Weight
If your loved ones seem to be carrying extra weight with them, it follows that they will find themselves in extra stress while walking, hence the strain on their knees becomes evident too. Losing a few pounds will help reduce any painful symptoms.
Don’t Force Them to Walk When They are Experiencing Severe Pain
Alongside this, let them walk at the time of the day when pain is at its lowest. If pain is severe during the daytime, let them walk in the afternoon instead, or vice versa. This will make them walk comfortably.
Walking Aids Will Help
Allow them to walk with a stick if they are more comfortable when doing so. Trekking poles are best for long walks too. Such devices will make them feel better and can decrease fatigue when exercising. These increase stability as well.
Allow Them to Work on Leg Strength
There are knee strengthening exercises that will help them a lot. If you have a stationary bike at home, they can use it to reduce pain and strain on their knee joints too.
Movement is key in order to make your loved ones healthy. If they are into senior living, it is best to ask team members to assist them when performing their exercises.
