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Medicanet 
conditions and treatments
arthritis
Arthritis Exercises |
Arthritis ExercisesArthritis is caused due to an inflammation in the joints, so any further movement of the affected joint would only aggravate the inflammation.
In such a scenario, exercise would be absolutely the worst thing that you could do for treating arthritis. Wrong. Our body is a wonderful mechanism that is constantly growing and adapting to the demands placed on it.
It can supply all our needs as long as there is a demand for it. When no physical demands are placed on the body, the muscles adapt to the lack of activity and grow weak. Modern day lifestyles do not involve a lot of physical activity.
That is why exercise is so important because it places physical demands on the body that force the muscles to strengthen.
Exercise also plays an important role in the treatment of arthritis. Most treatments for arthritis involve some form of physical therapy in addition to medication. Your physician or physical therapist will also probably prescribe some exercises for you to do.
It is essential that these arthritis exercises be carried out regularly without fail.
Regular and moderate exercise provides many benefits to people with arthritis. It reduces joint pain and stiffness, makes the underlying muscles stronger, and increases flexibility and endurance. Regular exercise also promotes overall health and fitness and has many other benefits such as giving the body more energy, promoting sound sleep, controlling your weight, decreasing depression, and increasing self-esteem.
It can also stave off other health problems such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
Exercise helps you lose weight and this weight loss assumes great significance for people suffering from arthritis. Extra weight places more stress on the weight bearing joints of the body and makes them more susceptible to wear and tear. Obese people are at a higher risk of developing arthritis, and obesity also promotes the rapid spread of this disease.
Exercising regularly may seem like a daunting task for those who are already suffering from arthritis, but with a little help from your physician, family, and friends it is possible to kick start a healthy lifestyle.
Ask your physician about the kind of exercises to carry out. Chalk out a regular exercise schedule and make it an integral part of your lifestyle. Involving family and friends in this activity will help to alleviate any boredom that sets in and help you stick with your routine.
The ideal arthritis exercises are low impact exercises that do not put too much of strain on the affected joints. Swimming, aquatic exercises, yoga, Pilates, and walking are some of the most popular exercises for arthritis. Do ensure that you warm up your body adequately prior to starting the exercise routine, and stretch and cool down after completion. Stretching promotes flexibility and should be an important part of your routine. Some amount of weight training has also been found to be beneficial as it promotes the development of muscle.
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