Are squats good for hip arthritis?

Squats can actually help strengthen the muscles around your hips, but form is super key! Try doing chair squats first where you just gently touch the seat and stand up. Go slow and listen to your body!

I have mild hip stiffness and my physiotherapist suggested half-squats, but I am so scared of damaging my cartilage. Has anyone else with arthritis tried doing light wall squats? Did it cause any flare-ups?

I tried all kinds of hot oil massages and knee/hip exercises for my joint pain. Honestly, deep squats did more harm than good. What really worked was mild warm water therapy and very gentle leg raises while lying down.

Instead of heavy dynamic squats, gentle hatha yoga poses like the Butterfly pose (Bhadrasana) or gentle hip openers are much safer. They increase lubrication in the joints without putting jarring weight on them.

With arthritis, the wrong angle during a squat can worsen joint wear and tear. It is highly recommended to consult an orthopedist or a qualified sports physiotherapist. They can guide you on whether squats are safe for your specific stage of arthritis.

I always tell people in the group to avoid deep squats if they have joint pain. If you must do them, only go halfway down and use a wall for support. Never push through sharp pain, that's your body's warning sign.