|
Exercise
Regular exercise can keep the muscles around affected joints strong and decrease bone loss and may help control joint swelling and pain. It also replenishes lubrication to the cartilage of the joint, which reduces stiffness and pain. Finally, exercise promotes weight loss, which reduces most OA symptoms.
Four types of exercise are extremely beneficial to OA patients: Low-impact aerobic, range-of-motion, muscle-strengthening, and water exercises.
Aerobic exercise such as jogging improves overall fitness and endurance, reduces risk factors for heart disease, and enhances weight loss. Yet high-impact activities may hasten cartilage breakdown in patients who have OA of the knee or hip. Instead, low-impact exercises are recommended. These include bicycling, using an elliptical trainer at a health club, swimming, or walking.
Range-of-motion exercises involve moving a joint as far as possible without causing pain. The goal is to improve flexibility, which is key to joint function, and reduce pain and stiffness.
Muscle-strengthening exercises increase the support for a joint, thus reducing the load on them. Pushing or pulling against a stationary object--known as isometric exercise--builds up muscle without straining joints, because the joints remain immobile during these exercises.
Water exercises allow an aerobic workout, muscle strengthening, and range-of-motion, all while using water to support the body, reducing strain on joints and increasing comfort. Pool running is an aerobic exercise in water. Calf raises and high steps while standing in chest-deep water strengthen joints. Leg stretches while sitting on pool steps improve range of motion.
A physical therapist can help OA patients get started on an exercise program. Organizations like the Arthritis Foundation have local chapters that offer exercise classes.
For more information on exercise and losing weight, see our section on weight control.
|
