Your Fitness: Managing knee pain as you get older!
The stronger we can make the muscles and connective tissue that surround and support our joint - the better we can likely manage flare-ups if and when they do occur.
As we age, it is quite normal to experience some age-related changes happening at our knee joint.
These changes can often occur at different timescales for different people, with some experiencing them earlier and later than others.
In my experience as a physiotherapist the conditions that are most commonly associated with age include osteoarthritis and, in some cases, tendinopathies.
While many can experience these age-related changes within their knee joints - these changes do not always correlate with pain.
It is important to remember that as we age, there can often be flare-ups where we experience a period of pain and discomfort where we often manage symptoms with pain relief medication and exercises tailored by a physiotherapist to meet you where you’re at!
One thing we have a little more control over, however, is our strength and function of each joint. The stronger we can make the muscles and connective tissue that surround and support our joint - the better we can likely manage flare-ups if and when they do occur.
So if we can build some strength and muscle above and below the knee joint, we are putting our best foot forward!
Exercise and movement is what keeps us moving. Motion is lotion and it’s what helps us to continue doing the things we enjoy as we age.
As somebody who is ageing, no matter how old - I firmly believe one of the best things you can do for your health, longevity and reducing the frequency/severity of symptoms - is incorporating an appropriate strength focused gym session into your lifestyle that meets you where you are at, and more importantly has options available to progress and make things a little harder as you grow stronger and more competent.
This, alongside frequent daily walks and other similar activities, is what helps best to keep things moving in the right direction!
If you are on the fence about online coaching and want to know a little bit more about the process - just email me the word “ready” and I will be in touch.
Please get in touch through the contact information below to check availability and avoid disappointment as spaces are limited. Please visit my new website www.coachedbycashel.com for more information.
Lastly, I would also like to clarify that I am not a registered dietician. All advice disclosed here is simply advisory based on my qualifications as a fitness professional and personal experience and knowledge gained working with individuals and helping them reach their goals.
The advice given is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.
I hope someone out there found some of this information useful here, just some food for thought.
For any questions in relation to this topic or training, nutrition, etc. or for coaching inquiries simply message me on my business page on Instagram @coachedbycashel_ or by email - contact@coachedbycashel.com
