Knee pain is a common issue that affects everyone, from athletes and active adults to seniors and sedentary people. Whether it’s from injury, arthritis, overuse or poor alignment, knee discomfort can limit your mobility, reduce your independence and impact your overall quality of life.

Luckily there are safe and effective exercises that can reduce knee pain, strengthen supporting muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion. When done consistently and correctly these exercises can help you take control of your body and get back to your favourite activities.

In this article we’ll look at the best exercises to improve knee mobility and tips to manage discomfort safely.


What is Knee Pain

The knee is a complex joint made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Because it carries a significant amount of your body weight and allows for a wide range of movement it’s prone to strain and injury.

Common causes of knee pain:

Before starting any new exercise routine it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist to rule out any serious conditions and make sure the exercises are suitable for your situation.


Exercise and Knee Pain

Contrary to popular belief resting too much can actually make knee pain worse. Prolonged inactivity can lead to muscle weakness, joint stiffness and increased discomfort over time.

Gentle, low-impact exercises that focus on mobility, flexibility and strength can:

Let’s look at specific exercises for knee health.


Best Exercises for Knee Mobility and Pain Relief

These exercises are gentle and beginner friendly. Move slowly and stop if you feel sharp or intense pain.

1. Heel Slides

Heel slides are a great way to gradually improve knee flexion without putting too much pressure on the joint.

How to do it:

This exercise stretches the knee and surrounding muscles and improves range of motion.


2. Straight Leg Raises

This exercise strengthens the quadriceps (front thigh muscles) which support the knee.

How to do it:

Start with one set and increase as you get stronger.


3. Calf Stretch

Tight calves can contribute to knee pain by changing alignment and walking mechanics.

How to do it:

This stretch releases tension in the lower leg and supports good movement and posture.


4. Hamstring Curls

Hamstring curls strengthen the back of the thighs which support the knee joint.

How to do it:

You can increase resistance over time by adding ankle weights.


5. Quad Stretch

Tight quads can pull on the kneecap and cause discomfort.

How to do it:

Use a wall or chair for balance if needed.


6. Seated Knee Extensions

A low-impact way to strengthen the quads and improve joint mobility.

How to do it:

Do this multiple times a day if you sit often.


Tips

To get the most out of your exercises:


When to Seek Help

While exercise can help with mild to moderate knee pain, some symptoms need medical attention:

A physical therapist can create a customized plan for you and in some cases, imaging or further treatment is needed.

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