It has long been known that walking is an easy, beneficial exercise. Not only do people who walk regularly have less body fat, it also lowers the risk of blood clots, since the calf acts as a venous pump, contracting and pumping blood from the feet and legs back to the heart, reducing the load on the heart. In addition to being an aerobic exercise, walking is good for you in many other ways.
Not only are there physical benefits such as better cardiovascular health, less chance of stroke, less bone loss and stronger muscles, but walking can also lighten your mood. Research has shown that the more steps a person takes in a day, the lighter their mood. Additionally, people who exercise regularly in their fifties and sixties are 35% less likely to die over the next eight years than their non-walking counterparts. That number shoots up to 45% less likely for those who have underlying health conditions.
Walking Decreases Knee Pain
Just this month research published in Arthritis & Rheumatology led by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine revealed that walking for exercise can reduce new frequent knee pain among people aged 50 and older diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. Additionally, findings from the study indicate that walking for exercise may be an effective treatment to slow the damage that occurs within the joint.
Those in the study who reported walking for exercise had 40% decreased odds of new frequent knee pain compared to non-walkers.
“I have always encouraged daily movement and exercise to my patients. These results support my recommendation,” says Dr. Callahan, Director of the Cleveland Hip and Knee Institute.
Walking is a free exercise that can be accomplished by most people.
Hip and Knee Care Experts
Operating in partnership with NOMS Healthcare, the Cleveland Hip and Knee Institute treats patients with all types of knee and hip disorders resulting from arthritis, typical wear, and tear of aging, as well as from traumatic and sports-related injuries. Our institute provides both surgical and non-operative treatments. To schedule an appointment call 800-HIP-7485.
