Why is Exercise Beneficial for People who have Arthritis?

Arthritis

If you have arthritis, you may not feel like exercising due to the limitations it puts on your daily life.  It is important to understand that exercise plays a crucial role in managing your symptoms and improving your overall health.

• 1 in 7 Australians have arthritis (3.6 million) “Arthritis Australia”
• Arthritis can impact on a person’s quality of life and well-being.
• Arthritis can be acute (flare ups) or chronic
• There are 3 main types of arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis: The disease is characterised by the loss of cartilage in the joints, but also effects the bone, ligaments, muscles, and nerves around the joint.  Most common in hands, knees, hips, spine, and feet.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints leading to pain, swelling and difficulty moving.  (Over time, it can cause damage to other parts of the body e.g., eyes, skin, lungs and blood vessels.
  • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis- Affects children and is also an autoimmune disease.
• Gout: Inflammatory arthritis that is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the bloodstream.  The build-up leads to the formation of painful crystals in the joints which can cause severe pain and swelling.
  • Gout typically effects the big toe but can also affect other joints such as the knee, ankle, or wrist.

The causes of arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis, but common causes include

• Ageing
• Joint Injury
• Infection
• Being Overweight
• Genetics
• Autoimmune diseases

What Causes Arthritis?

The causes of arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis, but common causes include

• Ageing
• Joint Injury
• Infection
• Being Overweight
• Genetics
• Autoimmune diseases

Treating Arthritis

If you suspect, you have arthritis you need to see your doctor who will give you a physical examination, check your medical history and may also do imaging tests and or blood tests.

The Treatment plans will depend on the type and severity of your conditions.

Common treatments include

• Medication
• Physical Therapy
• Exercise
• Weight Management
• Diet Review
• Hot and cold Therapy
• And some cases surgery.

For better outcomes a combination of these treatments works best.  Your Doctor will advise you on which treatments are best for you.

The Best Exercise for People with Arthritis

It’s important to understand that exercise can play a crucial role in managing your symptoms and improving your overall health. 

Let’s look at some of the benefits exercise provides.

Pain Relief:  Exercise can help reduce joint pain and stiffness by improving circulation and increasing the production of synovial fluid which helps to lubricate the joints. 

Improved Joint Function:  Regular exercise can help improve joint function, increase mobility, and reduce the risk of joint damage.

Increased strength:  Weight Training can help build muscle strength, which can help support and stabilize the joints, reducing pain and increasing mobility. 

Improved Mood:  Exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on mental health, helping to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.  

Better overall Health:  Exercise can help to improve cardiovascular health, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of other chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

What type of exercise is good for arthritis?

It is important to discuss this with your doctor as it varies on the type of arthritis and any other chronic diseases you may have.

My clients who have arthritis have had success with the following:

Walking
Swimming
Water Aerobics
Seated Aerobics
Pilates
Yoga
Tai Chi
Resistance training

Final Words