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and Health
Osteoarthritis is a very common chronic condition and is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It is an inflammatory joint disease where the cartilage covering the ends of the bones gradually wears away, leading to pain and stiffness. Additionally, it is known that physical activity and exercise play an important role in managing the condition and maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
Benefits of Exercise When Living with Osteoarthritis
Exercising not only helps to improve physical functioning and reduce pain, but also affects mental wellbeing, including improving mood, reducing stress, improving sleep patterns and providing a sense of control. Exercise helps increase flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the joints, which in turn helps to absorb the impact of daily activities and reduce stress on the joints.
How to Exercise Safely with Osteoarthritis
When trying to manage an osteoarthritis diagnosis and reduce symptoms, it is important to exercise in a safe and supervised way that takes into consideration the person’s individual needs. This may involve:
- Low impact exercise: Low impact exercises such as swimming, Pilates, walking and tai chi are gentle and help to improve the range of movement in the affected joints, as well as targeting the affected muscles.
- Strengthening exercises: A personal trainer can suggest a strengthening program designed to target and strengthen the muscles around the affected joints.
- Stretching: Stretching helps to improve flexibility and can help to reduce stiffness in the joints.
It is also important to ensure that any exercise program is adapted as symptoms change and adjust accordingly.
Tips for Staying Active with Osteoarthritis
- Check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
- Domlow impactexercises such as swimming, walking, Pilates and tai chi.
- Focus on strengthening the muscles around the affected joints.
- Hold stretching muscles for 20 to 30 seconds at a time.
- Be aware of any pain or fatigue and take regular breaks during exercise.
- Start slow and gradually increase the intensity of exercise over time.
- Listen to your body and adjust the exercise program as needed.
Exercising with an osteoarthritis diagnosis can be daunting, but with the right guidance, it can be a great way to increase mobility, reduce pain, manage the condition and improve overall health and wellbeing.
Keywords: exercise, osteoarthritis, physical activity, pain, flexibility, strengthening, stretching, low-impact, mobility.
