As the leaves change color and temperatures drop, many are eager to embrace seasonal activities. But if pain is a concern, you may wonder whether staying active could do more harm than good.
Fortunately, exercise can strengthen the muscles around your joints and keep them flexible, which helps reduce stiffness and pain. Regular activity also improves circulation to your joints. With all these benefits, you may wonder which types of movements are best for your joints.
To help you out, we asked our expert, Dr. Thomas Kane III, which exercises help, rather than hurt, your arthritic joints.
Low-impact exercise can have a significant effect on your health. Activities such as walking on level trails, gentle yoga, or water aerobics may not induce a sweat, but they improve blood flow, increase fitness, and even help build muscle without putting too much pressure on your joints.
Studies show that regular, low-impact exercise can reduce pain and improve functionality.
Tai Chi and stretching exercises are excellent for improving balance, increasing range of motion, and reducing the risk of falls—a common concern for people with joint issues. Incorporating a short stretching routine before and after activities such as light walks or gardening can help warm up joints and prevent stiffness.
Fall offers plenty of arthritis-friendly outdoor options, including pumpkin picking, light yard work, and apple picking. The trick is to use proper body mechanics, bending at the knees rather than the waist.
Footwear can also significantly impact joint comfort. Supportive shoes with proper cushioning reduce stress on the knees and hips. If your arthritis is more advanced, braces can also help stabilize your joints during activities.
Not all exercise is created equal. To avoid placing excessive stress on your joints, proceed with caution when lifting heavy weights, running, jumping, or exercising on uneven terrain. Not all exercise is off-limits, but it is best to speak with a specialist about what your joints can safely handle.
And always stretch before and after exercise. Your doctor may recommend that you attend one physical therapy session to learn proper stretching techniques.
While lifestyle matters in managing arthritic joints, pain and stiffness can sometimes hinder staying active. If that is the case, there are options to ease the pain and help your joints heal. Dr. Kane offers injections that reduce inflammation and improve lubrication, as well as medications such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow the progression of the disease.
If pain and mobility issues persist despite conservative treatments, surgical procedures are also available to repair bone spurs, fix tissue damage, and realign bones.
Regardless of the severity of your symptoms, solutions are available. Contact us to schedule an appointment at our office in Honolulu, Hawaii, and learn how to ease your discomfort and stay active for as long as possible.
