Exercise and Arthritis

What can I do to conquer arthritis?

Arthritis, more specifically osteoarthritis, is the most common cause of disability in the United States, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Osteoarthritis can affect multiple joints of the body, but the most commonly effected joints are the knees and hips. In a joint without arthritis, the cartilage acts as a cushion and helps with shock absorption during weight bearing activities. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage to wear away, which in turn causes more pressure on the bones.

Research has shown that a combination of manual therapy and therapeutic exercises reduces pain and improves function in patients with osteoarthritis, however, the most effective exercise regime has not been determined and further research is needed to develop the optimal exercise regimen for this population of patients. Manual therapy includes techniques include active and passive range of motion of affected joints as well as the joints above and below the affected joints, soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilizations. Therapeutic exercise can include weight bearing and non-weight bearing exercises to improve muscle strength, muscle flexibility and balance activities.

One of the most beneficial things a person with osteoarthritis can do is to remain active in order to maintain strength in the muscles surrounding the joint. A physical therapist can help guide patients and teach them the most beneficial exercises for their condition as well as modifications of exercises so that people can still be active if they have a "flare up" of their arthritis.

If you have ever experienced signs and symptoms consistent with arthritis, please follow up with a health care professional for further medical evaluation prior to beginning an exercise program.

The author of this article is Caitlin Carroll, PT, DPT from AthletiCo - Bucktown.