Arthritis occurs when joints become inflamed, or in the case of osteoarthritis, when the cartilage that cushions them wears away and causes the bones in the joint to rub against each other.
Arthritis is often a natural result of aging, but it can also be the result of a congenital defect or injury.
Joint pain (especially after activity), lack of mobility, and creaking or cracking sounds when moving the joint are all signs of arthritis. In severe cases, the joint can become deformed.
When symptoms flare up, many people with arthritis give up their exercise routine, fearing that it will worsen joint pain and stiffness. However, being sedentary can actually worsen arthritis symptoms, while moderate exercise can reduce their effects.
Staying physically active has important health benefits that can actually help mediate the effects of arthritis.
Here are 6 important ways exercise can help patients cope with arthritis symptoms:
1. Maintain Joint Flexibility And Mobility
Regular exercise helps keep joints lubricated and flexible, and can improve range of motion. Arthritis patients may want to try flexibility exercises such as raising their arms above their heads and rotating their shoulders forward and backward. Stretching exercises that promote mobility can also reduce stiffness.
2. Increase Muscle Strength
Strengthening the muscles around an injured joint can protect the joint from further deterioration. Weight training, using resistance bands, and yoga can all help strengthen muscles. However, it is not recommended to exercise the same muscle group two days in a row. Instead, patients should rest between workouts to give the body time to recover.
3. Improve Balance
People with arthritis sometimes feel unsteady on their feet. To prevent falls, they can improve their balance by practicing yoga or tai chi. Other balance exercises include standing on one leg or walking backward in a straight line.
4. Reduce Reliance On Pain Relief Medications
Anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids in addition to corticosteroid injections may be prescribed to relieve arthritis pain. But an exercise program that emphasizes flexibility and muscle strength can reduce pain and therefore reduce the need for regular medication.
5. Promote Proper Blood Circulation
Exercise not only increases joint mobility and strength, but also boosts the body’s circulatory system. Physical activity brings blood to the affected joints, delivering oxygen and nutrients. This increased blood flow can improve a patient’s mobility and even promote healing in the joints.
6. Prevent future joint damage
Perhaps the best reason for people with arthritis to continue exercising is to prevent further damage to the joints. Inactivity allows the condition to progress to the point where a person’s quality of life can be severely reduced. Exercise, on the other hand, slows the progression because strong muscles support the affected joints.
