Food works best as part of a broader strategy.
### Stay Physically Active
Regular movement helps maintain:
* Muscle strength
* Joint mobility
* Balance
* Bone health
Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling can be useful for many people.
If joint pain is significant, a physiotherapist or clinician can help choose suitable exercises.
### Strengthen the Muscles Around the Joint
Strong leg muscles help support the knee and reduce stress on the joint during everyday movement.
Exercises targeting the quadriceps, hamstrings, hips, and calves can be particularly useful when performed appropriately.
### Maintain a Comfortable Body Weight
Excess body weight increases the mechanical load placed on weight-bearing joints such as the knees.
For people who are overweight, even modest weight reduction may reduce knee stress and improve osteoarthritis symptoms.
### Eat Enough Protein
Collagen itself is a protein, so the body also requires amino acids from dietary protein.
Useful protein sources include:
