Knee Osteoarhtritis (OA) Rehabilitation

WHO SHOULD FOLLOW THIS PROGRAM?

• Patients with early to moderate knee osteoarthritis

• Patients with knee pain while walking, climbing stairs, or sitting down

• Elderly patients with stiffness and reduced mobility

• Patients advised for knee replacement but trying conservative treatment first

GOALS OF KNEE OA REHABILITATION

• Reduce knee pain and swelling

• Improve joint movement and flexibility

• Strengthen muscles around the knee

• Improve walking balance and confidence

• Delay progression of arthritis

KEY COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM

1. PAIN & STIFFNESS CONTROL

• Activity modification

• Heat or ice therapy (as advised)

• Gentle range of motion exercises

2. MUSCLE STRENGTHENING

• Quadriceps strengthening

• Hamstring strengthening

• Hip muscle strengthening to reduce knee load

3. FLEXIBILITY & MOBILITY

• Knee bending and straightening exercises

• Hamstring and calf stretching

4. BALANCE & FUNCTIONAL TRAINING

• Standing balance exercises

• Sit-to-stand training

• Stair climbing technique training

DAILY ACTIVITY & LIFESTYLE ADVICE

• Avoid prolonged squatting and kneeling

• Use a chair with arm support

• Maintain healthy body weight

• Use knee support if advised

• Choose low-impact activities like walking and cycling

WHEN EXERCISES SHOULD BE MODIFIED OR STOPPED

• Sudden increase in pain or swelling

• Locking or giving way of the knee

• Severe night pain

Consult an orthopedic surgeon if these occur.

WHEN IS SURGERY CONSIDERED?

If pain persists despite proper rehabilitation, medication, and injections, surgical options such as knee replacement may be discussed.

Rehabilitation remains essential even before and after surgery.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Exercises must be performed only after proper clinical evaluation. Incorrect exercises or overexertion can worsen knee damage.