Let’s explain the 7 ways exercise helps arthritis
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis, a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints.
Despite the discomfort that arthritis can cause, regular physical activity plays a crucial role in improving overall health and managing the symptoms of this condition. Here’s a simple explanation of how exercise benefits those with arthritis:
1. Reduces Joint Pain and Stiffness
Arthritis often leads to joint pain and stiffness, making movement difficult. Regular exercise helps reduce this pain by keeping the joints flexible and the muscles around them strong. When you strengthen the muscles around a joint, it takes some of the pressure off the joint itself, reducing pain and improving mobility. Exercise also helps maintain the range of motion in your joints, preventing them from becoming stiff and difficult to move.
2. Improves Muscle Strength
Muscles play a crucial role in supporting and stabilizing joints. Stronger muscles can better support your joints, which reduces the stress on them. This is particularly important for people with arthritis because stronger muscles can help prevent further joint damage. For example, exercises that strengthen the quadriceps (the muscles at the front of your thighs) can provide better support for your knees, which are often affected by arthritis.
3. Boosts Overall Energy Levels
Fatigue is a common problem for people with arthritis. Regular exercise can help boost your energy levels and reduce feelings of tiredness. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that help you feel more energized and positive. This increase in energy can make it easier to manage your daily activities and reduce the overall burden of arthritis on your life.
4. Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for managing arthritis, especially for weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine. Excess weight puts additional stress on these joints, which can worsen arthritis symptoms. Regular exercise, combined with a healthy diet, helps you maintain or achieve a healthy weight, reducing the pressure on your joints and alleviating pain.
5. Improves Mental Health
Living with arthritis can be challenging, and it can take a toll on your mental health. Exercise is known to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, which are chemicals in the brain that help improve mood and reduce stress. This mental health boost is crucial for people with arthritis, as it can help them stay positive and motivated to manage their condition.
6. Enhances Flexibility and Balance
Flexibility exercises, like stretching and yoga, can help improve the range of motion in your joints, making it easier to move and perform daily activities. Balance exercises, such as standing on one foot, can help prevent falls, which are a common concern for people with arthritis. Better balance and flexibility can lead to greater independence and a better quality of life.
7. Promotes Better Sleep
Many people with arthritis struggle with sleep disturbances due to pain and discomfort. Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality by reducing pain and promoting relaxation. When you sleep better, your body can recover more effectively, which can lead to better overall health and well-being.
In conclusion, while it might seem counterintuitive to exercise when you’re experiencing joint pain, regular physical activity is one of the best ways to manage arthritis. It helps reduce pain, improve joint function, and boost your overall health, making it easier to live well with arthritis. If you’re unsure where to start, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or physical therapist who can guide you in creating a safe and effective exercise plan tailored to your needs.
David Wilson: Partner Physiotherapist at Mount Barker myPhysioSA
