Osteoarthritis Exercises

Osteoarthritis Exercises

Exercise is beneficial for everyone, helping to strengthen our bones and muscles, boosting our mood, regulating our weight, and enhancing the health of our lungs and heart.

If you are someone who experiences arthritis or joint pain, the thought of general exercising or completing osteoarthritis exercises might seem overwhelming or even impossible.

However, there are specific exercises that can help to improve your health and fitness without causing harm to your joints. In fact, the right type of osteoarthritis exercises can even lessen the impact of arthritis.

So, if you’ve been avoiding exercise due to joint pain or are unsure about the best exercises for osteoarthritis management, keep reading below for helpful tips and advice.

Don’t wait to take charge of your osteoarthritis, get in touch with a talented exercise physio from Pivotal Motion and get moving again today!

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent form of arthritis that affects millions of people around the world. It’s often referred to as a ‘wear and tear’ condition, as it’s caused by the deterioration of the protective cartilage that surrounds the ends of bones. This degeneration can be triggered by factors such as overuse, excessive load (often due to obesity), or injury, and is a chronic condition that typically worsens over time. If you suspect that you may have osteoarthritis but haven’t been formally diagnosed by a doctor, there are various diagnostic methods available to help clarify your condition. These include undergoing an X-ray or MRI.

What Are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?

Individuals with osteoarthritis may experience a variety of symptoms, including;

• pain
• stiffness
• tenderness
• loss of flexibility

While any joint can be impacted, the hands, knees, hips, and spine are typically the most affected areas. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reverse the degradation of cartilage.

Nonetheless, effective symptom management is achievable through strategies such as maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy weight, which can slow down the disease’s progression and improve joint function and pain. It’s essential to note that the symptoms of osteoarthritis can lead to health complications not directly related to the condition itself, such as reduced mobility and pain.

Potential Consequences of Osteoarthritis

Research has indicated that people with osteoarthritis have a higher risk of falls and fractures compared to those without osteoarthritis. This is likely due to osteoarthritis reducing function, weakening muscles, and decreasing balance, all of which increase the likelihood of falls. Additionally, side effects from pain medication, such as dizziness, can further contribute to the risk of falls.

Furthermore, painful joints, particularly in the knees, hips, and back, can make physical activity challenging, resulting in reduced engagement in exercise. This lack of physical activity is strongly linked to Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, weight gain, high blood pressure, and the worsening of osteoarthritis itself. Therefore, it is crucial to find OA exercises that are appropriate and enjoyable for your individual needs. Don’t fret, though – we’re here to help! Keep reading to discover which type of osteoarthritis management exercise is best suited for you.

What Type of Osteoarthritis Physical Exercise Should I Be Doing?

When it comes to finding osteoarthritis exercises that work for you, it’s important to consider the location where you experience osteoarthritis and the severity of your condition. That’s where a healthcare professional like an Exercise Physiologist or Physiotherapist can really help. They can work with you to create an exercise plan that’s tailored to your needs. Generally speaking, there are two main categories of exercise for arthritis: low impact and high impact.