World Heart Day: How knee pain can affect your heart health, says doctor

Persistent knee pain or joint pain leads many people to avoid walking, exercise or any physical activity. This gradually affects their fitness and creates a cycle of pain and reduced movement. This does not stay limited to the knees but can also affect overall health and heart health. Dr. Nihar Modi, orthopedic surgeon at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Mumbai, has explained this in detail.

According to Dr. Modi, knee pain is mainly a problem related to the bones, joints and muscles, but it can also affect other parts of the body. When walking, climbing stairs or exercising becomes painful, a person gradually starts reducing movement. Over time, reduced activity can lead to weight gain, loss of muscle strength and a decline in overall fitness. Along with this, certain heart-related risks can also increase. However, Dr. Modi clarified that knee pain does not directly cause heart disease, but if it stops someone from exercising or staying physically active for a long time, it can affect overall heart health.

Regular exercise and physical activity are essential for keeping the body healthy. Regular movement keeps the heart functioning well, helps control weight, and keeps blood pressure and blood sugar in check. But people with chronic knee pain fear that exercise will worsen the pain, so they avoid walking or exercising. Some people find it difficult even to do everyday tasks such as walking, cycling or climbing stairs. This weakens the muscles and makes movement even harder over time.

Dr. Modi said that prolonged reduction in physical activity can lead to problems such as weight gain, high blood pressure, changes in cholesterol and poor blood sugar control, and all of these are considered important factors for heart health. If someone remains less active for months due to knee or joint pain, the benefits gained from regular exercise can diminish, particularly for those who already have a risk of heart disease. It is therefore important to identify the actual cause of the knee pain and get it treated properly, so the person can safely resume walking and physical activity.

Exercise for knee pain does not mean running, jumping or heavy workouts. The right exercise can be chosen based on the cause and severity of the pain, such as swimming, using a stationary cycle, walking on a comfortable and level surface, or muscle-strengthening exercises recommended by a doctor or physiotherapist. Physiotherapy can help strengthen the leg and body muscles, improve flexibility, improve balance and improve knee movement. Dr. Modi advised gradually increasing physical activity rather than suddenly starting intense exercise.

Dr. Modi said that if knee pain persists or keeps worsening, it should not be ignored. Swelling in the knee, a feeling of instability while walking or standing, difficulty walking, or knee pain interfering with daily tasks are signs that a doctor should be consulted. Orthopedic experts can identify the exact cause of the knee pain and recommend appropriate treatment. Those who already have heart disease or a high risk of heart attack should consult their doctor before starting any new exercise, especially before starting high-intensity or prolonged exercise. According to Dr. Modi, healthy knees and a healthy heart are closely linked through movement, so there is no need to remain inactive for long due to knee pain. Timely knee evaluation, proper treatment and an exercise plan suited to individual needs can help a person stay active safely.