EXERCISE & ARTHRITIS

by Charlene Marange, PT

Some facts about Arthritis

Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease is one of the oldest and most common forms of arthritis. It is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage within the joint. Cartilage is the part of the joint which provides cushion to bones. If cartilage breaks down this causes the bones to rub together causing pain and inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis involves the inflammation of the lining of the joint and/or internal organs. RA affects different joints and can be chronic. This form of arthritis is a disease that exacerbates (active) and remits (inactive). It is characterized by pain, stiffness, warmth, redness and swelling of the joint.

Current Research

Although you may think that exercise does not help arthritis, you are surely mistaken. Current research has shown that exercise is essential in order to manage your arthritis. Moderate exercise reduces joint inflammation and stiffness as well as builds strong muscles around joints that can help decrease pain. Most of all exercise helps to promote overall fitness by giving you more energy, helping you sleep, decreasing weight and boosting your self-esteem.

What kinds of exercise can I do?

• General exercises include stretching which can increase your flexibility and overall range of motion. After starting out with these exercises at a slow pace you can move onto weight training and endurance exercises such as walking and bicycling.
• Water exercise is also another great exercise. A warm environment is a great way to decrease joint stiffness and pain. Water exercise helps to eliminate the forces of gravity against your joints which allow you to move joints and muscles more freely with in a pain free range of motion. Water can also act as a resistance that can help to build muscle.
• Walking is a great endurance exercise that not only strengthens the muscle around your joints but your heart as well. Walking also helps to strengthen bones which can help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This can be especially important if you are taking glucocorticoids for your arthritis, which can weaken bones. As walking strengthens muscles and tissue around joints, it helps to keep the joints reading for daily activities.
• Golf is a very adaptable sport and is great for everyone. If you suffer from arthritis, playing golf can enhance strength and mobility of both upper and lower extremities as well as the spine. Golf can help with increasing the range of motion of joints and enhance balance and coordination. Even the walks across the golf course are beneficial to your health. Adaptation is the key to playing golf if you have arthritis. You may need to make modifications in grips, shoes, balls and clubs to fit your specific need.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our physical therapists or athletic trainers.

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