The disease of knee osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a disease of the joint that is met often, particularly in older people. However, at present a trend of the disease arising in the group of young age is found to be increasing, particularly in those who are younger than 55 years, those who have a history of injury of the knee, a deformed knee, those who are overweight, or who have a state of metabolic syndrome (metabolic syndrome), with the result that symptoms of joint pain arise, movement reduces, and the quality of life in the long term is affected

From the latest study it is found that those who have a state of low muscle (sarcopenia) have an increased risk of knee osteoarthritis arising, particularly in the young population and in athletes. If there is physical activity at a high level together with muscle mass that is insufficient (low muscle mass with high activity), it will make the knee joint receive repeated force more without the support of the muscles. Besides this, an imbalance between the muscle and the fat (muscle–fat imbalance) is also found, with the result that the risk of knee osteoarthritis arising is higher

At present there is medical evidence that confirms clearly that exercise is the important heart of the treatment of knee osteoarthritis at every stage of the disease, as recommended by the guidelines of clinical practice at the international level

Exercise that is suitable helps reduce the symptoms of pain, increase the strength of the muscles around the knee joint, increase balance, and help control body weight, and it is found that reducing the weight by at least about 5% can help reduce the symptoms of knee pain significantly, and also helps the patient be able to do the daily routine and have a better quality of life

  • Exercise of the aerobic kind (Aerobic exercise), such as walking fast, cycling, swimming
  • Exercise in order to strengthen the strength of the muscles (Strengthening exercise), particularly the muscles of the thigh
  • The training of balance and of the coordinated working of the muscles and the nervous system (Neuromuscular exercise)
  • Tai Chi (Tai Chi)
  • Exercise in water (Water-based exercise), suiting those who have a large body weight or have much pain in the knee joint
  • Exercise of the combined kind, namely aerobic (Aerobic exercise) together with the strengthening of the muscles (Strengthening exercise) and the training of movement for use in daily life (Function-focused exercise)

The exercise should have the intensity and the form adjusted to suit each individual, and may begin from an activity that the patient is interested in and can do continuously. In the beginning period there may be slightly increased symptoms of pain, which are usually temporary symptoms and improve when the body adapts, and the exercise can be done both with a carer and by oneself, depending on the suitability and the readiness of the patient

In summary

Exercise is a basic treatment that is effective, safe, and necessary for patients with knee osteoarthritis. It should be done alongside the giving of knowledge (Education), the control of weight (Weight control), and continuous caring for oneself (Self-management program), in order to slow the degeneration, reduce the symptoms of pain, and maintain the ability in movement in the long term

Source: OARSI (Osteoarthritis research society international) 2023

ACR (American College of Rheumatology) 2019

EULAR (European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology) 2023

Osteoarthritis Year in Review 2025 Epidemiology & Therapy Updates (Osteoarthritis & Cartilage, 2025