1) I don’t know which diagnosis best fits me.
If you’re unsure of your diagnosis, click “knee pain”
2) I have been told I have several things wrong with my knee, which diagnosis is best for me?
If you have multiple diagnoses, click “knee arthritis” or “knee pain”- either will work very well!
3) When will I know to transition to the next level of the program?
At the end of each level description is a video and accompanying text that illustrate when to move on.
4) I am already in pretty good shape, which level should I begin with?
At the end of each level description is a video and accompanying text that illustrate when to move on, keep advancing to next level until you are unable to complete the exercises to advance and begin at that level.
5) Some of the exercises hurt when I do them, what should I do?
Some discomfort when doing the exercises is ok, and even expected, if it’s more than discomfort drop that exercise and continue progressing with all the other exercises.
6) Why are there stretching and balance exercises listed?
Strength, balance, and flexibility/stretching are all involved in your knee function. Improving your balance will have less impact on how well your knees feel; however, it will make a big contribution on how well your knees function. Unfortunately as we age all of these things get worse unless we are doing activity to reverse it.
7) My knee swells with activity, what should I do?
Many times, a knee with arthritis or other problems will result in swelling during activity. Working on these exercises will help improve your knee’s tolerance for swelling and make you much more functional when it does occur.
8) I went for a long hike and now my knee is more swollen and sore. What should I do?
This is a relatively common occurrence for many knee conditions with any out of the ordinary activity. Go back and start again with the basic exercises and progress to what level of strengthening you were on prior to the setback. Your progress will be quick and soon you’ll be back where you were.
9) What happens if I hear or feel crunching or popping in my knee when I bend and straighten it?
That noise or feeling is called crepitus and is a result of wearing in your knee. This is a very common finding that can be ignored. This symptom may never go away, but it is okay.
10) I have tightness in my knee that gets better after doing the exercises but the next day it seems to be
Just as tight. What should I do?
Keep with your exercises. Sometimes people with longer standing tightness, or limited motion, will require more time to get it stretched. Don’t worry. With continued effort you should see improvement with your motion and your symptoms.
11) Is ice or heat better to treat my sore knee?
Ice
12) It hurts my knee to walk. What should I do?
If you can walk without limping continue to walk normally. If you are limping then use whatever you need (cane, 1 or 2 crutches, or walker) to keep from limping. Limping is not good and can cause additional problems in other parts of your body. Included are videos on “gait training”. They teach you how to use various assistive devices properly and how to walk without limping.
13) My knee only hurts sometimes. Some days it's fine, other days it hurts. What should I
do?
When people start having "intermittent" knee pain it typically leads to more frequent pain. Performing the exercises should help prevent it from getting worse and lessen the number of days that it hurts.