Exercise and Arthritis

by Gillian Markson | More from this Blogger

20 May 2006 01:31 PM

An important part of the treatment plan for people who suffer with arthritis is an exercise plan. The reason this is important is it reduces stiffness and joint pain as well as increasing flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. In addition to an exercise program, other aspects of the treatment plan may include rest and relaxation, proper diet, medication, and instructions on the proper use of joints and ways to conserve energy so that you are overusing your joints or wasting motion.

There are certain exercises that are meant specifically for people who suffer from arthritis and other join pain. Each particular type of exercise has its own function and assists with joint pain in a different way.

Range-of-Motion exercises (also known as stretching of flexibility exercises) help relieve stiffness and help maintain normal joint movement. These type exercises also help maintain or increase joint flexibility.

Strengthening exercises help or increase muscle strength, which help support and protect joints that have been affected by arthritis.

Aerobic or endurance exercises improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall function with weight control being a very large part of good health for people with arthritis. Weight control is very important for people with arthritis since excess weight puts additional stress on many joints.

Some studies even show that inflammation in some joints can by reduced by aerobic exercises. Some of the best forms of aerobic exercise include biking, swimming, low-impact aerobic dance, skiing, and of course, walking. It may also include such activities as mowing the lawn, raking the leaves, or playing golf.

If you have arthritis, don't just enter into an exercise program, consult with your doctor first. Most doctors recommend an exercise program for their patients with arthritis, but what your body can endure will differ from someone else, something only your doctor can advise. Many people with arthritis start with easy range-of-motion exercises and low impact aerobic exercises. People with arthritis can participate in most, though not all, exercise and sports programs, something only your individual doctor can determine.

Some people with arthritis avoid exercise because of painful joints. A group of exercises called "isometrics" helps strengthen muscles without bending joints. Isometrics involves no joint movement but strengthens muscle groups with an alternating series of muscle flexes and relaxation periods.

Isotonics is another group of exercises that involves joint mobility, but this group is much more intensive, achieving joint mobility through the use of increased repetitions or through the introduction of light resistance using lightweight dumbbells. A physical therapist or fitness instructor can instruct you in the best way to perform either isometrics or isotonics.

If you have severe joint pain, aqua therapy may be helpful since the weight of the water puts less pressure on the joints. This allows the endurance exercise to be performed without causing pain to inflamed joints.

These are only some suggestions, but as always, consult with your physician before beginning any exercise program.

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