If you’ve been suffering from arthritis chances are you’ve also been wondering if anything can help ease your pain. Painful arthritis can come at any age and finding simple ways to ease the soreness and stiffness quickly reaches the top of your priority list. Cue the drumroll because we’ve got answers! Believe it or not, arthritis is often alleviated by none other than exercise. Sounds counterintuitive, right? How is it possible that moving your body wouldn’t further aggravate your achiness? It boils down to creating an exercise plan that understands arthritic limits while bolstering mobility, strength, and flexibility.
Experts have explained that starting an exercise program, specifically one that understands your limits is critical for individuals with arthritis to manage their symptoms. Not only does a good exercise regime increase general strength and flexibility, but it can also significantly reduce joint pain, and help combat overall fatigue. Most physicians would recommend an exercise plan that provides the most benefit with the least aggravation on your joints. Consider exercises that emphasize increased range-of-motion, strength training, aerobic movements, etc.
Adding Exercise to your Routine Will:
- Strengthen the muscles that surround your joints.
- Maintain essential bone strength.
- Improve energy levels to naturally help you power through your day.
- Enhance sleep quality and overall quality of life.
- Improve balance and core strength.
Here Are a Few Exercise Specifics to Consider:
- Opt for Low Impact: Think stationary bike, elliptical, even swimming. Those are all exercises that keep your joint stress low. When you visit our Signature Patient Website you can create a workout plan for the week that sticks to low impact and arthritis-friendly movements.
- Heat: Heat is known to relax the muscles and joints and can help relieve any pain you have before you begin working out. Consider warm towels on your knees, a hot pack, or even a hot shower 20 minutes before you get moving.
- Move Slowly and Gently: Be sure to warm up before you do anything. It is recommended to begin with a range-of-motion exercise like stretching and then moving on to strength or aerobic exercises. Each of your movements should be slow and easy. If at any point you feel pain be sure to stop and take a break. If you notice a sharp pain or something stronger than your usual joint pain stop performing the exercise. Also be sure to keep it very slow if you notice and swelling or redness around your joints.
- Ice, Ice, Baby: Icing your joints after your workout for 20 minutes and up will help with any incurred swelling. Keep the ice on as long as you may need.
- Trust Your Gut: If your instincts are telling you that your joints can’t handle a specific exercise, stop right away and consult with your provider to determine an alternative movement. Be sure to begin your exercise journey slowly and increase duration and intensity as you go.
Ready to get moving? Visit us on social media and let us know how your workouts have helped you! And don’t forget, in order to prevent any unnecessary injury, ask your Medi-Weightloss® Provider for more information before you begin adding exercise to your daily routine. We are rooting for you!
Reference: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20047971