Having strong, flexible muscles
is the best way to keep knees healthy
and prevent further injury.
Strength
Strengthening the muscles that
support your knee will reduce stress on your
knee joint. Strong muscles in the front of
your thigh (quadriceps) and back of your
thigh (hamstrings) help your knee joint
absorb shock. The less strain on your knee,
the better the chances are for pain relief and
preventing further injury.
Flexibility
Stretching the muscles that
you strengthen is an important part of
preventing injury. Strengthening exercises
build muscle to help support your knee, but
can also tighten the muscles. Tight muscles
are more prone to injury. Gentle stretching
after strengthening exercise reduces muscle
soreness and will keep your muscles long
and flexible.
 Quadriceps muscles at front of thigh.
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 Hamstring muscles at back of thigh.
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Last reviewed and updated: February 2009
AAOS does not review or endorse accuracy or effectiveness of materials, treatments or physicians.
Copyright 2009 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
