Arthritis affects millions of people around the world. Two of the most common types are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both types often lead to knee pain. 

Exercising an arthritic knee may seem counterintuitive, but regular exercise can actually lessen — and even relieve — arthritis pain and other symptoms, such as stiffness and swelling. 

There are several reasons to exercise with knee arthritis: 

  • Exercise maintains the joint’s full range of motion. 
  • Exercise strengthens the muscles that support the joint. 
  • Strong muscles help the joint absorb shock. 


Exercise doesn’t have to be hard to be beneficial. In fact, gentle, low-impact exercises are best for knee arthritis. They minimize stress on the joint as they increase its flexibility and strength.