How to Protect Your Knees as You Age: Tips from Dr. Brian Ellefsen in Sedalia, Missouri

As we get older, our joints—especially the knees—become more vulnerable to wear and tear. Maintaining healthy knees is essential for staying active and preventing future complications. Dr. Brian Ellefsen, an experienced orthopedic surgeon based in Sedalia, Missouri, specializes in knee health and offers expert advice on how to protect your knees as you age. Whether you're an active adult or starting to experience knee pain, these tips can help you keep your knees in top condition.

1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess weight puts additional stress on your knees, contributing to conditions like osteoarthritis. According to Dr. Brian Ellefsen, even a small weight loss can significantly reduce the strain on your knees. For every pound you lose, your knees experience four pounds less pressure with each step, making weight management crucial for knee health.

2. Engage in Low-Impact Exercises

Regular physical activity is essential for joint health, but high-impact exercises can be hard on your knees as you age. Dr. Ellefsen recommends incorporating low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking into your routine. These exercises provide great cardiovascular benefits while minimizing stress on your knees. Pilates and yoga are also excellent for improving flexibility and strengthening the muscles that support the knees.

3. Strengthen Your Leg Muscles

Strong quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles can better support your knees, reducing the risk of injury. Dr. Brian Ellefsen emphasizes the importance of strength training, particularly exercises like leg presses, squats, and lunges, to build up the muscles around your knees. This can help stabilize your joints and improve overall mobility. Always make sure you're using proper form to avoid knee strain.

4. Stretch to Improve Flexibility

Tight muscles can pull on your knees, leading to discomfort and long-term issues. Regular stretching helps keep your muscles flexible and reduces tension on your joints. Dr. Ellefsen advises stretching your hamstrings, quadriceps, and calves to maintain mobility and alleviate pressure on your knees.

5. Wear Supportive Footwear

The shoes you wear can have a significant impact on your knee health. Dr. Brian Ellefsen recommends wearing well-cushioned shoes with good arch support to minimize the stress on your knees during daily activities. Avoid high heels or poorly fitted shoes, as they can increase the risk of knee injuries or exacerbate existing conditions.

6. Pay Attention to Knee Pain

If you begin experiencing knee pain or stiffness, it’s important to address it early. Dr. Ellefsen encourages his patients in Sedalia, Missouri, to take knee pain seriously. Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief can help, but persistent pain may indicate a more serious issue. Early diagnosis and treatment from an orthopedic specialist can prevent small problems from becoming larger ones.

7. Explore Joint Health Supplements

Supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin may help support knee health, especially in older adults. While results vary from person to person, Dr. Brian Ellefsen notes that these supplements may provide relief for those experiencing knee pain due to aging or mild arthritis.

8. Consult with an Orthopedic Specialist

If you’re experiencing knee pain or are concerned about the long-term health of your knees, seeing an orthopedic specialist is one of the most effective steps you can take. Dr. Brian Ellefsen is dedicated to helping patients in Sedalia, Missouri, maintain strong, healthy knees through personalized treatment plans. Whether you need advice on preventative care, physical therapy, or surgical solutions, Dr. Ellefsen can offer expert guidance tailored to your needs.

Take Control of Your Knee Health with Dr. Brian Ellefsen

Protecting your knees as you age requires a combination of lifestyle changes, proper exercise, and professional care. By following these tips from Dr. Brian Ellefsen, you can preserve your knee health and maintain an active lifestyle for years to come.

If you’re concerned about knee pain or joint health, contact Dr. Brian Ellefsen at Missouri Valley Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in Sedalia, MO. Call (660) 826-5750 today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how you can protect your knees and stay active.