Exercising With Osteoarthritis: 3 Things to Know
It’s no secret that regular exercise is important. But for people with painful joints, it can be the last thing they want to do. Exercise is one of the cornerstones of managing arthritis, yet nearly one third of people with arthritis are inactive. This is why this message to you about exercising with Osteoarthritis is so important.
Guidelines recommend that Osteopaths encourage their patients to engage in physical activity, but it can be difficult to know where to start.
What Are the Benefits of Exercising in Osteoarthritis?
Nearly all professional societies agree that exercise is one of the hallmarks of managing osteoarthritis (OA). According to two Cochrane reviews, there is high-equality evidence that exercise can help reduce pain as well as improve physical function in both hip and knee OA. In fact, physical activity can decrease pain and improve function by 40% in adults with arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Exercise also plays a large role in preventing disability by improving joint range of motion as well as maintaining muscle mass that supports joints.
Beyond symptom and impairment improvements, exercise can also play a role in staving off other chronic diseases linked to OA, such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
The known mental health benefits of exercise can also be beneficial for patients, as rates of depression and anxiety can be higher in people with arthritis than in the general population.
What Is the Ideal Amount of Exercise for Patients?
Current guidelines recommend that adults should get 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week.
One study looking at over 1500 adults with lower extremity joint symptoms suggested that approximately 1 hour of physical activity per week increased the likelihood that participants remained disability-free over 4 years.
Step counts can be another way to measure activity, with 10,000 steps being a common target but is not necessary.
One study found that among nearly 1800 participants with knee OA, each additional 1000 steps per day was associated with a 16%-18% reduced risk of developing functional limitations 2 years later. Walking 6000 steps a day was the threshold that best determined who would develop functional limitations and who would not.
Are Certain Types of Exercise More Beneficial?
There is no specific type of exercise that is best for OA, so it comes down to each person’s preference.
Pain relief for Osteoarthritis
if you’re suffering pain and need a little extra help getting yourself mobile again, try Osteopathy for pain relief. We have many satisfied patients who testify to our professional manner and pain relieving skills.
If you would like to book in and see Phil our Osteopath, then click the link below and you can book directly into his diary via online booking.
If you’re unsure as to whether Osteopathy can help, then feel free to give him a call and book in a free 15min telephone consultation. You will then have a chance to discuss your concerns and see if he is likely to be able to help your articular problem.