Our knees are the silent workhorses of our daily lives, tirelessly bending, pushing, and supporting us for everything we need. But when they start aching, even the simplest tasks become a frustrating struggle.

Dr. Brace's Top 10 Knee-Saving Tips:

Fear not, fellow knee warriors! By incorporating a few proactive steps and gentle exercises into your routine, you can keep those hinges happy and healthy for years to come. Dr. Brace, your trusty orthopedic brace sidekick, is here to guide you with 10 golden tips and a daily knee-loving exercise routine.

Warm Up Your Engine: Before diving into strenuous activities, get your blood flowing with light movements like arm circles or combing your hair. This loosens up your muscles and prepares them for action, preventing injury.

Stretch It Out: Think of your knees like tightly wound springs. Loosen them up with dedicated stretches for the hamstrings. Quads and calves. Hold each stretch for 10-20 seconds, feeling a gentle pull without bouncing.

Size Matters: Don't force your poor knees to wrestle with oversized equipment! Ensure your sports gear. A proper fit prevents extra stress on your muscles and tendons.

Build Strength: Strong quads and hamstrings support happy knees. Simple exercises like walking backwards can go a long way. 

Cool Down and Stretch: Don't neglect your elbows after a workout! Cool-down stretches help reduce muscle soreness and keep your joints flexible. 

Fuel Your Knees: Nourish your body with the good stuff – protein, minerals, and vitamins like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Dairy products, soy products, and leafy greens are elbow-friendly superstars. Don't forget Vitamin D from fish, orange juice, and some sunshine!

Hydration is Key: Even mild dehydration can make your knee grumpy. Aim for several ounces of water every hour, adjusting based on your activity level and weather conditions. Happy, hydrated knees are productive knees!

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Both overweight and underweight individuals can be more prone to knee injuries. Strive for a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Your knees will thank you for it.

Ditch the Smoke: Smoking is a double whammy for your knees – it increases your risk of injury and slows down healing. Kick the habit for healthy knees and lungs.

Listen to Your Body: Your body is smart, so pay attention! Don't push yourself too hard, especially with repetitive motions. Take breaks, switch activities, and stop if you feel any discomfort. Overuse is a buzzkill for your knees.

Dr. Brace's Daily Elbow Exercise Routine: 

Warm-up: Get those knees loose with 30 sec easy jumping jacks.

8 REPS ,3 SETS - Place the strap beneath your foot and pull it towards your body. Maintain resistance as you gradually bring your knee towards your chest. Then, push and extend your leg while sustaining the resistance.

10 REPS, 3 SETS - Position the band above your ankles comfortably. Gradually push your leg away from the side of your Body. Slowly bring the leg back, focusing on feeling the resistance. Try not to lean to the side during the movement.

3 REPS, 3 SETS - While in this position, place the band comfortably above your ankles. Slowly lift your leg up and down, ensuring you feel the resistance. If the resistance is too challenging, perform this exercise without using the band.

8 REPS, 4 SETS - While in this position, place the band comfortably above your knees. Gradually lift your knee up and down in the same direction as shown in the image, making sure to feel the resistance throughout the movement.

8 REPS, 3 SETS - While in this position, place the band beneath your feet and assume the starting stance. Maintain resistance as you use your knee as a lever, moving only the bottom part of your leg up and then down.

8 REPS, 3 SETS - while in this position, place the band above your ankles comfortably. Gradually lift your leg away from the side of your body. Slowly bring the leg back, focusing on feeling the resistance.

This is not a medical advice! Some information provided herein is written by health care providers affiliated with Dr.Brace®, and some content is provided by outside sources. The content provided, such as graphics, images, text and all other materials, is provided for reference and educational purposes only. The content is not meant to be complete or exhaustive or to be applicable to any specific individual's medical condition. Dr.Brace® assumes no duty to correct, resolve or clarify any inconsistent information that might be a part of the information provided. The provided information is not an attempt to practice medicine or provide specific medical advice, and it should not be used to make a diagnosis or to replace or overrule a qualified health care provider's judgment. Users should not rely on the provided information for emergency medical treatment. The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a qualified and licensed physician or other medical care provider, and follow their advice without delay regardless of any information provided herein.