Research is showing that exercise and physical activity have so many health benefits for the body, click here to see more. For this reason, exercise and and increased physical activity are a recommended treatment for many types of conditions. As said here at https://active-travel.uk/wetpour.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the many conditions where exercise is showing to be beneficial. By prescribing exercises as part of therapy and following the “guidelines for exercising in to pain” we are able to help people with OA feel better and move better which you can supplement with tips from helpful sites like Movement 101 site.
What is Osteoarthritis (OA)?
OA refers to changes in the cartilage and bone of a joint, for example the hip or knee. Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and you may feel weaker in that joint.
OA produces a small amount of joint inflammation, and this is why we may feel pain and stiffness.
If our joints are getting painful and stiff, we may be less physically active. However, a lack of exercise can also cause our joints to be painful and stiff.
Regular exercise is crucial in managing osteoarthritis (OA) effectively. It not only plays a role in treating OA but also contributes to preventing the bone and joint changes commonly associated with this condition. If you’re seeking additional support or guidance on your OA journey, consider exploring resources like this medical centre near me for personalized care and advice. In addition, you might also want to visit sites like https://www.hingehealth.com/blog/digital-health-benefits-musculoskeletal-conditions/ for at-home digital health solutions.
Why is exercise so good for OA?
So you may find that after some time doing your knee exercises you have less pain and your knee feels stronger. You may find that you are able to walk further or faster or do an activity again that you previously found difficult.
Exercising and being physically active can also mean less use of medications for pain and/or inflammation and possibly even a reduced need for surgical intervention.
But, can I exercise with pain in my joint?
As mentioned earlier and in a previous post here it is important to follow the recommended guidelines of exercising in to pain.
Using these guidelines allows us to exercise safely and can be helpful. Hurt does not necessarily equal harm, and some pain with exercise can be due to reduced joint and muscle “strength”.
Which exercises are good for OA?
A broad range of exercises are suitable for OA. These may include:
You may find that you are able to do one exercise easier than the other. Land based exercises are suitable, but water exercise can also be an option.
It is important to note that general exercise is also beneficial. You might find that your knee is too painful to exercise, but you are able to do some arm exercises. General exercise will still give you health benefits and (for the reasons listed above) may even improve your painful knee.
There are cases with OA where joint surgery may be necessary, and where medications are needed. Exercise therapy, pain medications and possible surgical options are all part of a tailored treatment plan as advised by a Sports Medicine Care specialist.
Exercise has so many positive benefits and not just for Osteoarthritis. We are looking forward to continued discussion about exercise and physical activity and just how good it is for our body in future blog posts.
Thanks for reading.
References:
Skou ST et al J Orthop Sports Phys There 2018; 48(6):439-447 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29669488
Skou and Roos BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders (2017) 18:72 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28173795
Geneen LJ et al Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue 4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5461882/
Smith et al, et al. Br J Sports Med 2019 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29925503
Disclaimer: this information is for your education/information and should not be considered medical/physiotherapy advice regarding diagnosis or treatment recommendations.
