Exercising with Osteoarthritis

The Importance of Exercise with managing Osteoarthritis

Should I Exercise?

Exercise is very important in the treatment of Osteoarthritis.  Lack of activity and movement of affected joints will actually worsen symptoms because muscles will become weaker and stiffness in joints will worsen.

Regular specific exercises build muscle, decrease stiffness and pain in joints, and can improve mobility in joints.  Activity should be done in regular intervals with multiple rest breaks.

The goal of exercise is to improve flexibility, strength, and fitness which not only ease symptoms of Osteoarthritis, but is also beneficial to reducing stress and depression.

Depending on the joints involved, specific exercises commonly include:

• Muscle Strengthening: Weights, Exercise Bands

• Aerobic activity: Cycling, Aerobics, Water Aerobics
• Low impact: Swimming, Walking

• Range of Motion: Stretching, Yoga

Activities such as walking and swimming apply far less stress to the joints commonly affected by Osteoarthritis.  In a normal healthy joint, physical activity, like jogging, does not increase the risk for development of Osteoarthritis.  In fact, avoiding physical activity in an attempt to prevent Osteoarthritis or its progression may actually contribute to the progression of the disease.  Joints become stiffer and weakened with the lack of overall physical activity.  This may further the progression of Osteoarthritis, which may ultimately lead to obesity.  Inactivity may also be considered a risk factor for the onset and progression of Osteoarthritis in people with normal healthy joints as well.  The effects of physical inactivity directly relate to the health of joints.  A loss of muscle mass and a reduction in the production of proteins in the cartilage of joints have been found to accelerate the progression of Osteoarthritis. 

Education combined with exercise is the primary, non-medcial treatment goals recommended by the American College of Rheumatology for the treatment of Osteoarthritis.  Specific education on the advantages of exercise is critical in the management of Osteoarthritis.  Appropriate exercises can strengthen the muscles surrounding Osteoarthritic joints so that function and mobility may be restored.  To many patients, the use of exercise as part of the treatment plan for their Osteoarthritis seems unnatural when they have immobile, painful joints.  This is especially true for those who identify ‘wear and tear’ as the cause for their Osteoarthritis.  However, it is important to realize the many benefits of exercise including reducing pain and other symptoms.

The Effect of Exercise On Cartilage:

Exercise and mobility are in fact a necessary component to maintaining the health and function of joint cartilage.  Cartilage receives all its nutritional requirements from the fluid that is present in the joint cavity.  This process requires joint movement to maintain the health of a normal joint and to prevent further damage to the cartilage in an Osteoarthritic joint.