Exercise and arthritis

People who have a rheumatic disease (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) should develop a comfortable balance between rest and activity. One sign of many rheumatic conditions is fatigue. Patients must pay attention to signals from their bodies. When experiencing pain or fatigue, it is important to take a break and rest; too much rest, however, may cause muscles and joints to become stiff.

Often times people with arthritis can participate in a variety of sports and exercise programs. Physical exercise can reduce joint pain and stiffness and increase flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. It also helps with weight reduction and contributes to an improved sense of health and wellness. Before starting any exercise program, people with arthritis should talk with their doctor. Exercises that doctors often recommend include:

• Range-of-motion exercises (e.g., stretching, dance) to help maintain normal joint movement, maintain or increase flexibility, and relieve stiffness.
• Strengthening exercises (e.g., weight lifting) to maintain or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and protect joints affected by arthritis.
• Aerobic or endurance exercises (e.g., walking, bicycle riding) to improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall well-being. Studies show that aerobic exercise can also reduce inflammation in some joints.

Certain therapies can also be beneficial to those with rheumatic diseases:

• Hydrotherapy involves exercising or relaxing in warm water. The water takes some weight off painful joints, making it easier to exercise. It helps relax tense muscles and relieve pain.
• Mobilization therapies include traction (gentle, steady pulling), massage, and manipulation (someone other than the patient moves stiff joints through their normal range of motion). When done by a trained professional, these methods can help control pain, increase joint motion, and improve muscle and tendon flexibility.
• Relaxation therapy helps reduce pain by teaching people various ways to release muscle tension throughout the body. In one method of relaxation therapy, known as progressive relaxation, the patient tightens a muscle group and then slowly releases the tension. Doctors and physical therapists can teach patients a variety of relaxation techniques.

Another important part of a treatment program is a well-balanced diet. Along with exercise, a well-balanced diet helps people manage their body weight and stay healthy. Weight control is important to people who have arthritis because extra weight puts extra pressure on some joints and can aggravate many types of arthritis. Diet is especially important for people who have gout. People with gout should avoid alcohol and foods that are high in purines, such as organ meats (liver, kidney), sardines, anchovies, and gravy.

Source: healthandwellness.com