Fitness & exerciseBone & joint healthPain management

6 easy exercises for knee-pain relief

Get strong, flexible, healthy knees with these exercises.


LearnFitness6 easy exercises for knee-pain relief
Stair step-ups
Up and downs
Leg flexes
Knee rolls
Hip extensions
Leg lifts

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Stair step-ups

Place your left foot on the first step of a stairway and your hand on the wall or banister for balance. Slowly step up onto your left foot so you are standing tall on the step with your left foot, and your right foot's off the ground. Hold for a second, and then step back down off the step onto your right foot, so there's no weight on your left foot. Repeat up to 6 times. If you need to, take a short rest between steps. Reverse legs, and repeat up to 6 times.

Are you being nice to your knees? Answer these five questions to find out if you have any habits that need changing.

Written by Michael Gollust.
Medically reviewed by Megan Burke, MD.September, 2025
Updated onAugust, 2026
Written by Michael Gollust.
Medically reviewed by Megan Burke, MD.September, 2025
Updated onAugust, 2026
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