Exercising an ARTHRITIC KNEE through daily activities
juvenile arthritis 143
WALKING. Walking is one of the best exercises for strengthening the thigh—if the child puts
some weight on the leg.
For arthritis, try to use
canes, not crutches.
A crutch can cause
contractures.
WARNING: If a child
uses a crutch and does
not step down with his
leg, this strengthens
only the muscles that
bend the leg.
NO
YES
A cane helps strengthen
weak muscles and
prevent contractures.
If he uses a cane,
he must put some
weight on the leg.
This strengthens
the muscles that
straighten the leg.
During the times when the child’s
arthritis is less painful, she should be
active. It is fine for her to run, ride a
bicycle, or take long walks—as long as
this does not cause much joint pain.
These activities
strengthen weak
thighs.
After the child can walk fairly well
without aids, a good exercise is walking
on the heels. (If the arthritis also
affects the ankles, this may not be
possible. But try.)
Walking uphill
exercises the
thighs more
than walking on
flat ground.
SWIMMING. Swimming is one of the
best exercises for a person with arthritis.
Floating and play in water also is good
exercise. The water holds up the body
and allows movement of the arms and
legs without weight, yet against the
gentle resistance of the water.
disabled village children