Swimming with a Bad Knee

Many people have a bad knee or, if they’re really unlucky, two bad knees. Whether it’s from exercise, sports, extra weight or anything in between, bad knees are a real pain!

What’s even worse is that having bad knees can make it difficult to exercise. Some exercises can place stress on your knees and cause excess pain, sometimes even worsening your condition. However, there is an easy solution: swimming or other water exercises. This form of movement doesn’t place pressure on the knees or other joints, making it safe and pain-free for people with joint issues.

If you’re thinking about giving swimming a try, don’t be afraid to ease your way into it. Ideally, sessions should be at least thirty minutes to burn calories and reap maximum benefits. However, if you can’t do thirty minutes all at once, it’s okay to gradually work your way up.

You can swim as often as you like since it’s so low impact. However, aim for at least five thirty minute sessions a week. If you really want results, you can double that!

Of course, do pay attention to how your knees are feeling, as well as the rest of your body. If you do experience knee pain, check with your doctor before continuing swimming. Also, remember that it’s okay to take breaks from time to time if you’re feeling overworked.

The more likely outcome, however, is that you’ll actually feel better all around the more you swim, including your knee! Regular swimming reduces joint stiffness, strengthens the muscles around the joints, and even releases endorphins to boost your mood. All in all, you really can’t find a more perfect exercise, especially if you struggle with knee issues.