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Exercises for bad knees

In this blog, you will learn:

  • Common causes of knee pain and arthritis

  • Why movement can actually reduce pain

  • How to stay active safely when your knees hurt

  • How the Motimove app supports you with pain tracking, exercises, expert tips, and activity insights

Living with painful knees can feel overwhelming. Whether your pain comes from arthritis, past injury, or simply wear and tear over time, it can limit your daily life. If you are searching for exercises for bad knees, exercises for arthritis in the knee, or exercises for knees with arthritis, then having clear guidance matters. The right support helps you stay active without making symptoms worse.

Want personalized help right away?

Download our app to start using Motimove, a movement app designed especially for people dealing with pain.

Motimove contains gentle exercise routines, tools to track your pain levels, activity logging, and expert advice. It helps you stay in control—step by step and at your pace.

Why Knee Pain Happens

Knee pain can be caused by several factors, and understanding them can help you make better decisions about movement and treatment:

1. Arthritis in the Knee

This is one of the most common causes of knee pain, especially as we age. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that cushions the bones gradually becomes thinner. This can lead to stiffness, swelling, and discomfort. When searching online, many people look for exercises for arthritis of the knee joint or ways to stay active without increasing pain—because movement remains one of the most effective long-term supports.

2. Old Injuries

A previous ligament or meniscus injury can change how the knee moves. Even after healing, muscles may weaken or compensate, which can increase stress and discomfort over time.

3. Muscle Weakness and Imbalance

The knee depends heavily on the strength of surrounding muscles—especially the thighs, hips, and calves. When these muscles are not supporting the joint well, the knee ends up taking too much load.

4. General Wear and Tear

Daily life—walking, standing, stairs—can slowly wear on the knee joints. This is normal, but symptoms can increase if there’s not enough movement to help the knee stay flexible and supported.

Why Movement Helps (Even When It Hurts)

Many people with knee pain worry that movement will make things worse, and it’s understandable to be cautious. But research consistently shows the opposite: gentle, consistent movement helps reduce pain and stiffness.

  • It strengthens muscles that support the knee

  • It improves blood flow, which nourishes the joint

  • It helps maintain mobility, preventing the knee from becoming stiff or weak

The key is to move in a way that respects your limits. That’s where guided support becomes valuable.

How Motimove Helps

The Motimove app is designed specifically for people who experience pain. It is not a generic fitness app—it focuses on helping you move in a safe, supportive, and personalized way.

With Motimove, you can:

  • Follow guided routines created for people with knee pain and arthritis

  • Track your pain levels daily to see what improves or worsens symptoms

  • Get expert tips on pacing, motivation, and joint health

  • Monitor how active you’ve been to stay balanced—not too much, not too little

Instead of guessing which exercises are safe, you get structured support that adapts to your situation.

Treatment Options to Consider

If you’re dealing with ongoing knee pain, there are several approaches that may help:

  • Gentle strength and mobility exercise programs (guided through Motimove)

  • Physical therapy for personalized support

  • Heat or cold therapy to help manage symptoms

  • Activity pacing, meaning balancing movement with rest

  • Supportive footwear or knee braces to reduce stress on the joint

Many people find that combining consistent movement with pain awareness tracking gives them the most control. Motimove brings both together in one place.

FAQ

Should I really move if my knee hurts?

Yes—gentle, well-guided movement can reduce pain over time. Avoid forcing through sharp pain.

How fast will I see improvement?

Many people notice changes in a few weeks, but consistency is key.

Do I need equipment?

No—most activities in Motimove use your own body weight and everyday furniture.

Ready to take the next step toward feeling stronger and more in control of your knee pain?

Download our app and start using Motimove today.

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We know a lot about pain. Explore our knowledge base to learn how pain develops and how movement can be part of the solution.
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