The Best Treadmill for Bad Knees

When you have bad knees, exercise can be painful. However, the right kind of exercise often reduces pain and increases your sense of balance and stability. A low-impact, weight-bearing exercise, walking on a treadmill can be beneficial for increasing bone density and keeping your joints flexible. To get the most from walking exercises, the best treadmill has features that reduce stress on your knees.

Feet on treadmill (Image: YanLev/iStock/Getty Images)

Treadmills for Bad Knees

If you have knee problems but your doctor clears you for treadmill use, you can get the benefits of low-impact, brisk walking with a simple treadmill, as long as it provides a cushioned belt and stability. A cushioned track reduces the impact on your knees and other joints by as much as 40 percent compared to hard-surface walking. The best treadmills have adjustable cushioning settings. To ensure a treadmill provides the stability that is best for you, select a treadmill rated for weights 50 pounds more than you weigh.