What Are Some Exercises for Arthritis in the Knees?

Do seated knee exercises for arthritis. Use a straight-back chair for these exercises. Place both feet flat on the floor for knee raises, sitting up straight. Raise one knee about 3 or 4 inches off the floor and hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Lower to starting position. Repeat on opposite leg.

Do leg raises with or without resistance bands. Start with feet flat on the floor. Extend leg in front of you, getting the leg as straight as possible. You may experience pain at first, but range of motion improves the more you do this exercise. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds and slowly lower back to the floor. Repeat on the other leg.

You can use resistance bands by tying the band to one leg of the chair. Place your leg in the band just above the ankle and raise your leg. Do these exercises five times on each leg at least three times a week.

Marching in place helps arthritis in the knees and is a mild cardiovascular workout. Stand up straight and raise one foot by bending at the knee. Raise your knee as high as possible, preferably to a 90-degree angle. Alternate each leg. Do this exercise for 2 minutes, using music to keep the beat. You can do this exercise before and after hitting the golf course. You can also do this exercise in water for about 30 minutes to get a cardiovascular workout that doesn't stress the knees. You can do marches in place as a cardio exercise at least five times a week. Working out in water is less stressful on arthritic knees.

Do kicking exercises for arthritis knee pain. Stand up straight for these exercises or use the back of a chair for added support. These exercises can be done with or without resistance bands around the leg of chairs. You do kick-forwards by using the hip to kick a slightly bent leg forward. Do not bend your waist. Hold your extended leg for 2 to 3 seconds. Return your leg to the starting position.

Support yourself by holding the back of the chair to do kick-backs. Extend your leg behind you and hold the position for 2 or 3 seconds. Return to the starting position.

Do side-kicks by holding the back of the chair with one hand and placing your other hand on your waist. Extend your leg on the side of your body, using only your hips. Hold for 2 or 3 seconds. Do 10 to 12 repetitions of each of these exercises on both legs at least three times a week.