Osteoarthritis (OA), a wearing down of the joints, can be debilitating. The pain and stiffness that come with OA can limit everyday activities such as walking, going up and down stairs, squatting, doing housework and playing sports. OA can follow a previous surgery or injury, but it is often a result of aging.

What Can Be Done for Osteoarthritis?

The good news is there are several treatment options. Today we’ll look at exercise.

People with OA commonly have weakness in the muscles around the affected joint. With knee OA, for example, the muscles in the front and back of the thigh often become weak. A large body of research shows that targeted exercise for these muscles can reduce pain and stiffness and make daily activities easier.

Why Dosing Matters

It may seem counterintuitive to exercise a joint that is painful and stiff. The key is a physical therapist who knows how to dose exercise properly. Exercise works a lot like medication: too little won’t help, and too much can do harm. The dose has to be right to get the best effect.

Image spot (optional): therapist adjusting resistance on a leg exercise

What the Research Says

A recent review looked at how the intensity of knee exercise affects knee OA. It concluded that moderate-intensity exercise is the best choice for people with knee OA.

There are other factors you and your physical therapist will consider, such as whether the joint is currently inflamed, your previous activity level and how severe your symptoms are. A thorough history tells your therapist where to start, with the goal of progressing to moderate-intensity exercise.

This article is for general education and isn’t a diagnosis or a substitute for care from a licensed provider. If your symptoms last or get worse, see a physical therapist or your doctor.