Strength Training for OA of the Knee

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If you have osteoarthritis of the knee, do strength training, especially for your quadriceps, the muscles in front of the thighs, which help stabilize the knee cap and protect against cartilage loss under it. Such exercises can reduce pain and improve mobility in people with arthritis of the knee, according to a new review of 18 studies, which used free weights, resistance machines, and/or elastic bands. People with knee arthritis typically have weak quadriceps. The muscles may weaken because arthritis pain discourages people from exercising, but research suggests that weak muscles around the knees may actually contribute to arthritis.