You put a lot of stress on your hip flexors when you sprint or kick. Thatâs why athletes, especially runners, soccer players, and martial artists, are especially prone to hip flexor injuries that result in hip flexor pain. Hip flexor pain is usually felt in the upper groin region, where the thigh meets the pelvis. To avoid hip flexor pain, you should pay more attention to these muscles, Dr. Siegrist explains. When you are seated, your knees are bent and your hip muscles are flexed and often tighten up or become shortened.
Walking and bicycling are good exercises for bad knees because they aren't high-impact. If you belong to a gym, the elliptical machine is another good option; the machine has pedals instead of a flat, treadmill-like surface and allows you to simulate running and walking without the impact on the joints.
Many people ride in jeans or sweat pants. What you will want to avoid in any case is pants that twist, wrinkle or bunch along the inside of your legs and especially knees. Again, your pants should not be too large as they may catch on something, leading to injury to yourself or your horse. Some people like the extra grip and in the winter the wind breaking ability of leather riding chaps. Half chaps that cover from knee to foot provide grip and protection for the lower leg.