Arthritis can cause joints to become stiff and painful, which often discourages people from exercising. However, experts state that regular exercise is actually beneficial for those with arthritis. Therefore, before starting any exercise routine, it is essential to consult your doctor.
In general, one should not begin an exercise program without medical advice—this is especially critical if you have a health condition like arthritis.
Exercise helps reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Regular exercise strengthens the muscles that support your joints, which is highly beneficial. Certain types of exercises are particularly effective at keeping bones and joints strong. When your bones and joints become weak, they are more susceptible to damage. This can accelerate the progression of arthritis and cause symptoms to become more severe.
Regular exercise also improves your body’s balance, helping to protect you from slips, falls, or injuries that could otherwise damage your joints or cause other physical harm. The consequences of a lack of exercise:
If you believe that exercise might worsen your arthritis, think again. Experts suggest that regular physical activity can actually lead to improvement.
Simply put, a lack of exercise can cause the physical condition of someone with arthritis to deteriorate.
Regular movement of the joints promotes the development of tissue that prevents the bones within a joint from rubbing against each other. It also helps strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints.
However, it is best to avoid the kind of strenuous exercise performed by athletes or professional sportspeople. Excessive or overly intense exercise can do more harm than good. In short, light to moderate exercise is the best approach. Alternatives for Exercise
Aerobic exercises are highly effective for individuals suffering from arthritis or rheumatic conditions. Engaging in these types of exercises increases your heart rate and breathing pace.
Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and using an elliptical machine are excellent examples of aerobic exercise.
Experts recommend aiming for about 20 minutes of such exercise on most days of the week. However, if exercising most days is not feasible, doing so even once or twice a week is far better than not exercising at all.
Additionally, to build muscular strength, you can choose exercises that utilize your own body weight. Notable examples include lunges, squats, wall slides, and push-ups.