Spring 2026 5 Healthy knees for life Tips for preventing knee problems While there’s no surefire way to prevent knee injuries or arthritis, these steps might help reduce your risk: Aim for a healthy weight. Unwanted pounds put extra stress on weight-bearing joints, like the knees. “Every time you take a step, you can put as much as double your normal weight on that leg when you’re walking,” says Orthopedic Specialist Von Evans, MD, at Texas Health Huguley Hospital. Don’t ignore pain during or after an activity. Reduce your activities or rest your knees. “Sometimes it’s temporary soreness,” Dr. Evans says. If you push through pain, you could cause a new injury or accelerate the progression of any arthritis. Choose proper footwear, especially if you already have arthritis. For everyday wear, choose shoes with good cushioning, not hard leather soles. If you run, invest in proper shoes for that purpose. Replace them when the cushioning wears out. By the way, the pounding on your joints from high-impact running and jumping can be a factor in knee problems. If you love running marathons, keep enjoying it. It’s a healthy pursuit that Dr. Evans enjoys, too! Just listen to your knees. Stretch before your workout to loosen up and afterward to increase flexibility. “Increasing flexibility can take stress off the joints, especially the knees,” Dr. Evans says. When your knees need treatment See a doctor if your activities regularly trigger knee pain, if pain limits your activities or you have symptoms like locking, catching or that “trick knee” that suddenly gives out when you pivot or turn. The right treatment depends on what’s causing your pain. With a meniscus tear, for example, doctors often recommend arthroscopy, which uses tiny incisions and a camera to treat the knee. For knee arthritis, treatment usually starts with nonsurgical options, such as: ● Oral anti-inflammatory medications ● Steroid injections ● Lubricating gel shots If that’s not enough, you and your doctor might discuss knee replacement surgery. At Texas Health Huguley, Dr. Evans and the orthopedic surgery team use the advanced Mako robotic system, which offers millimeter-level precision. “I tell patients, they’re going to tell me when it’s time,” Dr. Evans says. What raises your risk for knee and hip pain? Find out at TexasHealthHuguley.org/ Orthopedics.
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