Arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 different diseases that all affect your joints. No matter what kind of arthritis affects you, the resulting joint pain can provide an added barrier to exercise.
Don’t give in to that temptation to stay sedentary. When you’re living with arthritis, regular exercise can help ease your joint pain and stiffness.
If the thought of getting moving fills you with a sense of dread because of the resulting joint pain, see Angel J. Garcia, MD, here at El Paso Center for Family & Sports Medicine. With expertise in helping people manage osteoarthritis, he explores treatments with you to soothe your joints. This, in turn, enables you to get moving, which can help alleviate your pain further.
Osteoarthritis — or the arthritis that develops because of wear and tear on your joints — is the most common form of arthritis. We’ll primarily focus on it here.
The Arthritis Foundation says, “Exercise is considered the most effective, non-drug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement in patients with osteoarthritis.”
That’s true because when you get moving, you strengthen the muscles that support your joints. This helps alleviate the pressure on them, which is particularly useful for those with osteoarthritis.
Plus, exercise helps lubricate your joints by stimulating the production of synovial fluid. And it releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and encourages circulation in the joint. This helps your body send oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the joint, allowing it to work at its best and with the least pain.
Finally, exercise helps your body fight inflammation, and osteoarthritis is an inflammatory condition.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a different form of arthritis. While it still affects your joints, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) stems from a problem with your immune system.
Still, the principles we’re exploring here apply. The big difference with RA is that your symptoms can flare. While exercise can help you manage a flare, it’s essential to listen to your body. Don’t get active if it’s causing you excess pain.
To avoid worsening your pain both during and after your workout, avoid high-impact exercises, such as running. Instead, choose options like:
If your arthritis makes it too painful to do any of the above, look for aquatic exercise classes. The water’s buoyancy relieves pressure on your joints, allowing you to move more comfortably.
Aim for 150 minutes of exercise a week. Even a few 10-minute walks a day can add up.
Dr. Garcia can help you find exercise that works for your body and develop a plan to keep you active. That might mean additional care, such as physical therapy or medication, to ease your joint pain.
Getting regular exercise helps to reduce your arthritis pain. For support there, call our office or book an appointment online today.
