The Arthritis Foundation states that Arthritis is the number one cause for disability in the nation. There are over five million diagnosed cases, and, contrary to popular belief, it is not an age-discriminant ailment. In fact, there are over 300,000 babies and children that are suffering from arthritis pain.
What is Arthritis?
The Foundation says, “’Arthritis’ is not a single disease; it is an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease.” That means that there are over 100 different types of arthritis.
Though there are many different kinds of arthritis, one thing is consistent in all of them: joint pain. When experiencing a flare-up it’s people’s instinct to rest, but that is actually not the best course of action. Holding a joint in the same position could cause muscle loss and exacerbate the already limited range of motion.
What Can Be Done to Treat Arthritis Pain?
Diet and exercise play a huge role in arthritis treatment. Excess weight can place a strain on joints, so it’s very important to maintain a healthy weight.
WebMD states that when looking for exercises to treat arthritis pain, it’s important to focus on three basic areas: range-of-motion, strengthening, and endurance.
Stretch!
Range-of-motion exercises are also known as stretching. The goal is to extend and contract the joint in a controlled manner. Over time, the flexibility will improve. Much like with any physical activity, it’s important to stretch beforehand, and so range-of-motion exercises are a great warm-up before engaging in strengthening and endurance training.
Stay Strong
Muscles protect joints by keeping them stable, and so that’s where strengthening exercises come in. Pain caused by arthritis can greatly decrease one’s desire to exercise, but there is actually a form of exercise called “isometrics” that targets strengthening without moving joints. The Mayo Clinic defines it as, “contractions of a particular muscle or group of muscles.” Essentially, one would flex a targeted muscle group without moving, allowing strengthening in a rehabilitative way.
Hydrotherapy is another great option for those suffering from arthritis, as the weightlessness can alleviate joint discomfort. Hydrotherapy refers to strengthening exercises that take place in the water.
Keep The Weight Off
Endurance exercises, or more commonly known as aerobic exercises, can be accomplished in innumerable ways. In fact, water aerobics or swimming are both great ways to utilize the joint pain relief found in water. Aerobics aids in maintaining a healthy weight, which, as was already mentioned, can play a major role in arthritis pain relief.
How To Get Started
It’s important to consult a professional that can guide you through the process and tell you which exercises would be most beneficial. At Atlanta Medical Clinic we have physical therapists that are trained in arthritis pain management. Schedule an appointment with us today!