Exercise and Arthritis
Arthritis is one the biggest leading causes of pain in the world and dealing with Arthritis is a literal pain but there are many ways in which we can aid in pain management.
Arthritis is an inflammatory condition affecting the joints. There are various forms of the disease where the three most common are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout. It can occur at any age and can cause varying levels of pain ranging from mild to severe.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease mostly caused by years of wear and tear from frequent physical activity and/or high impact sports. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease attacking the joints causing erosion and some cases deformation.
Arthritis has varying symptoms such as:
- Pain
- Swelling and/or deformation of the joint
- Redness and heat
- Reduced range of motion
If you have any of these symptoms it is a good idea to see your doctor.
Although there is no cure for Arthritis there are ways to manage the pain and prevent any further damage to the joint(s).
Exercise helps with blood flow to the joint(s), muscle strengthening to support the joint, and mobility exercises to help improve range of motion. Low impact exercises that are safe on your joints are recommended, such as swimming and walking.
Management of the disease requires a multidisciplinary approach. With proper lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise as well as pharmaceutical interventions the disease will be well managed.
