01/03/2024
Walking is often considered one of the best exercises for leg joints for several reasons:
1. Low-impact: Walking is a low-impact exercise, meaning it puts minimal stress on the joints compared to high-impact activities like running or jumping. This reduces the risk of joint injuries and helps protect the knees, hips, and ankles from strain.
2. Builds strength and flexibility: Walking helps strengthen the muscles around the joints, including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Stronger muscles provide better support for the joints and can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Additionally, walking improves flexibility and range of motion in the joints, which is essential for maintaining joint health.
3. Improves circulation: Walking increases blood flow to the muscles and joints, delivering oxygen and nutrients that help nourish the joint tissues and promote healing. Better circulation also helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the joints, which can alleviate pain and discomfort.
4. Weight management: Walking is an effective way to manage weight, which is important for reducing stress on the joints. Excess body weight puts added pressure on the knees, hips, and ankles, increasing the risk of joint problems and osteoarthritis. By incorporating regular walking into a fitness routine, individuals can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the burden on their joints.
Overall, walking is a simple yet powerful exercise that provides numerous benefits for leg joints. It's accessible to people of all fitness levels and can be easily incorporated into daily life as a form of physical activity.
: Dr. Hiren Jadvani, Knee surgeon