Let us look at that a little closer. Imagine that two people each own a classic sports car, preferably a red convertible. One of us takes their car out each year and drives it around, enjoying the car, the other, hoping to "preserve" the car, keeps it covered in a warehouse. You can imagine that after a few years, it will be the "active" car that is in better shape. Same thing goes for joints - they are made to move.
Research tells us that exercise does not cause osteoarthritis, in fact regular exercise will help prevent osteoarthritis (and many other diseases) and help treat osteoarthritis already present. Let's look how.
Weight
The most important preventable factor that contributes to osteoarthritis is being overweight. Regular exercise is one of the best way to lose and keep off the pounds.
Strength
Having good muscles that control the joint leads to greater stability and less strain on the joint.
Cartilage nutrition
The cartilage is the smooth surface on the ends of the bone allows for easy movement. When it wears away, osteoarthritis sets in. Most body tissues rely on circulation to bring the cells their required nutrients. But not cartilage, it receives its nutrients from the joint fluid. Movement of the joint is the key to better cartilage nutrition, a healthier joint and a healthier you.
Flexibility and Range of Motion
One major feature of osteoarthritis is decrease in joint movement. An exercise program that encourages full motion and joint flexibility will help minimize the stiffness.
Decreased Pain and Improved sleep
Studies have shown that regular exercise releases endorphins, which are the bodies natural pain killer. Exercise also stimulates the body to produce more serotonin, a substance in the body that has been associated with pain relief, sense of well being and improved sleeping patterns.
Here are some guidelines for exercise and osteoarthritis:
Exercises
For someone with arthritis, choose activities that do not aggravate your symptoms. If the impact of running is difficult, try biking or swimming. Also consider exercises such as Yoga, Pilates and Tai-Chi to improve muscle tone and joint flexibility.
Medication Use
Most people like to avoid taking medication. If your doctor has prescribed you something, it is preferable to use the medication to provide pain relief and allow exercise rather than shun the medication and remain inactive. Discuss this with your physician.
Getting Started
Set realistic goals and start slowly. Build up your exercise program gradually. Increases should not exceed about ten percent per week.
Allow enough time for a proper workout. Be sure to complete a warm up and cool down period of about ten minutes each. The exercise should be steady and vigorous, but do not rush it.
Listen to your body. It is normal that there is some discomfort with exercise. This should subside within a few hours. If the soreness persists your present workout level is to hard.
Allow for body recovery from exercise. This is what professional athletes do. Medical science and sports physiology have shown that proper cool down, adequate intake of fluids, proper nutrition and sufficient rest leads to improved exercise performance.
In conclusion, osteoarthritis is not brought on by exercise. In fact it will go a long way in preventing it. In addition, exercise has an import role in the treatment of osteoarthritis. So either keep active or get active.