The Impact of Exercise on Arthritis: Expert Advice and Recommendations

Title: The Impact of Exercise on Arthritis: How to Manage Joint Pain and Swelling

Summary: Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, with joint pain, swelling, and restricted movement being common symptoms. Research shows that exercise can be an effective treatment for arthritis, but many people with the condition struggle to incorporate a workout routine into their lives. We spoke to a chartered physiotherapist to understand the benefits of exercise for arthritis, how to get started, and the best exercises to manage the condition.

Body:
Runners may well suffer from a multitude of injuries, aches, and pains, but if you have regular joint pain, swelling, or restricted movement, it could be a sign of arthritis. Around 350 million people worldwide suffer from arthritis, with 10 million in the UK alone. It impacts millions of lives daily, and research has been conducted into the best ways to manage it.

Exercise has been shown to be an effective treatment for arthritis. A report published in Geriatric Nursing concluded that a comprehensive exercise program should include stretching exercises, range-of-motion exercises, muscle strengthening, and aerobic exercise. However, many adults with arthritis do not incorporate a workout routine into their lives due to the pain, which can worsen the condition.

Another paper published in the journal Clinics in Geriatric Medicine concluded that patients with arthritis could safely participate in exercise programs and often found relief from pain and disability. The challenge for practitioners is how to encourage people with arthritis to start and maintain an exercise program.

Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling and tenderness in the joints, most commonly in the hips, knees, fingers, and thumbs. There are different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. Osteoarthritis is often age-related, affecting 10% of men and 18% of women over 60. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints.

Symptoms of arthritis vary depending on the type but can include joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, inflammation, restricted movement, and muscle weakness. Exercise has been shown to minimize pain from arthritis, but the pain itself often deters people from exercising. However, losing strength and flexibility in the muscles can worsen the condition.

Running can be included in an exercise program for arthritis, as studies have shown that lower intensity, shorter duration runs are safe for people with knee osteoarthritis. If running causes pain to flare up, other forms of cardio like swimming or cycling may be more suitable. Before running, it is advisable to start with non-impact exercises like water-based activities and strength training.

Seeing a physiotherapist as soon as you have a diagnosis of arthritis is recommended. They can provide a tailored exercise routine to manage the condition effectively. A well-constructed training plan appropriate for your activity level and severity of the condition can aid in managing arthritis. Running is unlikely to provide extra stress on the joints, but it’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your exercise routine accordingly.