5 Effective Ways to Protect Your Knees from Surgery

Knee pain affects millions of Americans and is often a precursor to surgery, particularly for individuals with arthritis. While surgery is sometimes unavoidable, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce the risk of knee injury and delay or prevent the need for surgical intervention. Here are five proven ways to safeguard your knees:

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Research reveals that excess weight significantly increases the risk of knee injuries—by up to five times in men and four times in women. This occurs because excess body fat weakens muscle strength and places added strain on the knee joints, which may exceed the bones’ capacity to support the body. Engaging in regular, low-impact exercises such as cycling can help strengthen your bones, improve muscle tone, and support a healthy weight, ultimately easing the burden on your knees.

2. Stretch Supporting Muscles

The knees rely on multiple surrounding muscles for support, including the hamstrings, inner thighs, and calves. Unfortunately, modern lifestyles often involve prolonged sitting, whether at a desk or in a car, which places unnecessary strain on these muscles. Incorporating regular stretching exercises into your routine can alleviate tension, improve flexibility, and reduce stress on the knee joints.

3. Sit on the Floor

Although lounging on the couch is common, it doesn’t promote optimal joint health. Sitting on the floor encourages a variety of hip and knee positions, allowing these joints to move more freely and naturally. Additionally, floor sitting often promotes spontaneous stretching, which helps relieve tension around the knees and supports joint mobility.

4. Strengthen Core Muscles

A weak core can lead to excessive curvature of the lower back, which puts stress on the body and compromises alignment. Building core strength helps improve posture, allowing your knees to remain in an ideal position for movement while reducing unnecessary joint compression.

5. Focus on Glute Strength

Weak glutes are a widespread issue that can cause the pelvis to drop, leading to increased stress on the hips and knees during daily activities. Strengthening the glutes through targeted exercises, such as hip extensions, can improve pelvic stability and help protect your knees from strain and injury.

By incorporating these habits into your daily life, you can take meaningful steps to preserve your knee health and reduce the likelihood of requiring surgery in the future.

Taking care of your knees today can save you from pain and potential surgery in the future. If you’re experiencing persistent knee discomfort or want to explore personalized treatment options, Dr. Burke Orthopedics is here to help. With expertise in preventing and treating knee conditions, Dr. Burke and his team are dedicated to helping you maintain healthy, pain-free movement.

Call us at (713) 436-3488 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your knees and improving your quality of life. Don’t wait—your joint health matters!