For people with bone-on-bone knee pain, walking is important to maintain strength and flexibility in your knee, as well as general aerobic fitness. However, it’s important not to overdo it. Walking too far or too fast when you have arthritis can cause your symptoms to flare up, so listen to your body. For people with bone-on-bone knee pain, walking is important to maintain strength and flexibility in your knee, as well as general aerobic fitness. However, it’s important not to overdo it. Walking too far or too fast when you have arthritis can cause your symptoms to flare up, so listen to your body.