Dr Oz: Knee Strengthening Exercises & Does Knee Surgery Work?

Dr Oz: Knee Strengthening Exercises

Dr. Oz says there is a common condition that might be the cause of your serious knee pain, but what if he told you the best way to treat it is no better than a “fake” operation? You could have a minor tear in the cartilage (meniscus) of your knee and not even know it, but it can cause a great deal of pain. Dr. Oz explains what causes a torn meniscus and what you can do to end your pain.

Dr Oz: Does Surgery Fix a Torn Meniscus?

Dr Oz talked to a physical therapist who shared three exercises to strengthen muscles to prevent knee injuries.

Dr. Oz explains that as we get older, the cushion, or meniscus, in the knee begins to deteriorate and becomes quite fragile. This can lead to an actual tear in the meniscus while doing the most simple everyday task, but what is not so simple is the discomfort that follows. Dr. Oz spoke to a woman who had surgery for her torn meniscus, but says she did not notice a lot of relief after the procedure.

Dr Oz: “The Ballet Move” Strengthen Foot Arches

Physical Therapist Lisa Gemmel talks about a study that was set up with patients experiencing knee pain. One group had an actual surgery on their knee while the other was a placebo group who thought they were having the surgery, but actually only experienced a “fake” surgery. They woke up thinking they had the surgery and stunningly had the exact same results as the patients who had the real operation, which is why Dr. Oz chose not to undergo surgery for his own knee injury.

Dr. Oz says because of this study less patients will have operations and opt for a treatment that works just as well and is less invasive and equally effective. The solution for many patients lies in physical therapy and Lisa Gemmel shared the three exercises that are best for strengthening the muscles around your knees in order to prevent injury in the first place.

1. The Clam: This move focuses on your hips and glute muscles because if they are kept flexible it will lessen the strain on your knees. Lie on your side and open and close your knees like a clam while tightening your glute muscles. Repeat 15 times.
2. Straight Leg Raise: This exercise is good for your quadriceps, which are located on the front of your thighs and are a huge knee stabilizer. Lie on your back while propped up on your elbows. With one leg out straight and the other bent, flex the foot of the straight leg and raise and lower while tightening your quadricep muscle. Do 15 on each leg while also keeping your core tight.
3. The Ballet Move: This exercise is for the arches of your foot, which will help relieve added stress to the knees often caused by flat feet. Stand with your heels together and lift them both off the floor at the same time. Hold for a count of 6 and lower to strengthen your arches.