Many patients with arthritic knees want to know if walking for exercise will make the arthritis worse. Generally, the advantages of walking for exercise - weight loss, improved lung capacity, an increased feeling of well-being - outweigh potential disadvantages.

Walkers should use caution and should not continue with this type of activity if the pain increases. Also, try to avoid hills as much as possible and make sure to use a well-cushioned walking shoe.

Though exercise is generally good for knee arthritis, the exercise program may need to be modified if the patient notices decreased range of knee motion, increased joint swelling, or pain that lasts for more than an hour after exercising