Staying Active With Arthritis Pain
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Staying active is important at any age, but exercise may feel like an impossible feat for those living with joint pain from arthritis. At Rebound, our team’s goal is to help you relieve pain, increase mobility and improve how you live. Learn some tips on ways to stay active with arthritis below.
Pain, stiffness and weakness are some of the common symptoms associated with arthritis, and while they may leave you feeling unmotivated to exercise (or worried about injury)- exercise may be exactly what your bones and muscles need. According to the Arthritis Foundation, studies have shown that mild to moderate exercise can be beneficial for those with arthritis. Lack of exercise can actually aggravate arthritis symptoms.
Why Staying Active Helps
Staying active when you have arthritis helps in with:
- Pain
- Flexibility and range of motion
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Balance and injury prevention
- Long-term mobility
Activities that strengthen your joints and muscles and increase your flexibility help keep you mobile, while reducing pain. In addition, maintaining a regular fitness regimen will reduce your risk of a crucial concern for those with joint problems: falls. As we age, our bodies rely on strong musculoskeletal systems to ensure balance and prevent injuries that may result from falls, such as fractures.
Types of Activities
While exercise is beneficial in many ways, it is important that you speak to your doctor about the types of exercise that may work best for you. It is important to understand your limits, and gradually approach an exercise program if you are not routinely active.
Commonly, arthritis patients should engage in low-impact exercise. This type of exercise is easiest on the joints, is less likely to cause serious injury and still provides your body with the strengthening and aerobic conditioning it needs to stay healthy.
Types of exercise that are important:
- Strength training – this type of exercise builds muscle, increases bone density, stabilizes the joints and improves alignment.
- Flexibility exercise – this helps improve range of motion and decreases stiffness.
- Aerobic exercise – this increases stamina and strengthens the heart and lungs.
Examples of of some low-impact activities for those with arthritis:
- Walking
- Swimming or aquatic aerobics
- Strengthening with resistance bands
- Strengthening with light dumbbells
- Elliptical machine
- Cycling
- Yoga
- Stretching
- Tai Chi
Walking and aquatic exercise are two of the most recommended types of activities for arthritis patients because they condition the muscles, joints, heart and lungs without causing strain or high risk of injury, are gentle and put less pressure on the affected joints, and improve the joints’ range of motion.
By regularly partaking in exercises that focus on flexibility, strengthening and aerobics, you will support and protect your joints and help them move more efficiently. To learn more about how staying active may help you reduce your arthritis symptoms, please give us a call at 1-800-REBOUND or schedule an appointment with one of our specialists online.
Related Rebound Resources:
How Flexibility Exercise Benefits Bone Health
Hip Bursitis vs. Osteoarthritis
Trusted Resources:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) – Managing Arthritis Pain with Exercise