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Published on: 7/15/2026

What exercises are recommended for reducing knee pain?

Low-impact aerobic exercises, resistance training, and balance and flexibility routines can significantly reduce knee pain. These activities strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee, improve joint stability, enhance range of motion, and lower stress on the joint, making daily movement easier and less painful.

However, knee pain can stem from many different causes—arthritis, ligament issues, overuse, or underlying conditions—and the right exercise plan depends on knowing what's actually driving your discomfort. Before starting a routine, it's worth taking a few minutes to get clarity on your symptoms. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be causing your knee pain and guide your next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

For people with knee pain, especially from osteoarthritis, a variety of exercises can help reduce pain and improve function. Low-impact aerobic exercises—like walking, cycling, or swimming—get your heart pumping without putting too much strain on your knees. These activities help with overall joint health and reduce stiffness. Resistance training is also important. It focuses on strengthening the muscles around the knee, such as the quadriceps and hamstrings. Strong muscles provide better support to the knee joint and ease the load on it. In addition, balance and flexibility exercises, such as gentle stretching or Tai Chi movements, improve the range of motion and help stabilize the joint, reducing the risk of falls or further injury. If you're experiencing persistent knee pain and want to better understand your symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights. Building up gradually and getting guidance from a physical therapist is a good way to ensure exercises are done safely. In summary, combining these different types of exercises can bring significant relief from knee pain and enhance everyday activities by strengthening and protecting your knee joint.

(References)

  • Susko AM, Fitzgerald GK. The pain-relieving qualities of exercise in knee osteoarthritis. Open Access Rheumatol. 2013 Oct 15;5:81-91. doi: 10.2147/OARRR.S53974. PMID: 27790027; PMCID: PMC5074793.

  • Zeng CY, Zhang ZR, Tang ZM, Hua FZ. Benefits and Mechanisms of Exercise Training for Knee Osteoarthritis. Front Physiol. 2021 Dec 16;12:794062. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2021.794062. PMID: 34975542; PMCID: PMC8716769.

  • Vincent KR, Vincent HK. Resistance exercise for knee osteoarthritis. PM R. 2012 May;4(5 Suppl):S45-52. doi: 10.1016/j.pmrj.2012.01.019. PMID: 22632702; PMCID: PMC3635671.

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