Oooo! Why does my knee hurt now and then when I get up, or bend down, go up the stairs or kneel down? It may very well be an early warning alarm if you will, about some issues with your knee joints. If so, can you do something about that now and try to either head it off altogether or at least put it off for several more years before having to deal with it?

Fortunately, yes, there are numerous things you can and should do now, not later.

Just a few tips:

* Be sure you do some walking everyday. Keep the joints loose and working.

To many of us sit on the way to work, sit all day at work and sit on the way home and then again all evening in front of the TV or computer. Not good! Joints are made to move, so move them, keep limber and they won’t stiffen nearly as much.

* Consider taking a joint supplement.

Glucosamine Chondroitin is the most popular and available almost anyplace. Certainly any drug store, grocery or Wal-Mart, Target, etc. These are usually found in pill form and for some, when taken early on actually work quite well. There are also liquids available which do absorb more readily and to a greater percentage than pills. The taste isn’t the greatest, but you do get more use of the product. Actually there are some available that taste quite good also.

* Rubs and liniments.

These may take away the soreness for awhile if you are that far along, but they do just ease the symptom and don’t treat the source of the problem. You can use some once in awhile now for relief until you treat the problem itself.

* Ibuprofen or other pain relievers.

These too just treat the symptom and also are not good to be using on a regular basis.

So what’s best? A combination of them all, (except maybe the liniment).

The first step is being conscious of the problem and the need to address it. If you have read this far, you are already there.

Do some research, which you are also doing, and find out which exercises are the best and most suitable for you.

Do some more research and find which product seems to help the most people. There are hundreds of products which claim to be magical of course. Depending on your budget and willingness to do what it takes, prices range from a few cents per day to several dollars a day. Obviously, start low and if it works, great! If not, move up and try something else. Be diligent though and consistent with whatever you try, give it some time, usually at least 60 days and preferably 90 days to let your body use the product.

I hope this gives you a few ideas and the desire to start doing something now, while it ‘s early because constant knee pain is no fun and really hinders you doing so many things you enjoy. Good luck !