Arthritis and Exercise, Part 2 How to Manage Arthritis

Why you Should Exercise if you have Arthritis
by Susan Ingraham, BCRPA-certified fitness instructor for older adults

The most common medications used for arthritis are:

• analgesics for pain reduction
• anti-inflammatory agents for inflammation reduction
• immunosuppressants for immune system suppression
• antidepressants for helping reduce depression and anxiety

Surgical interventions — to relieve pain and improve function — are becoming more common for RA: hip and knee replacements are the most common, but surgery is also done on shoulders, elbows and ankles.

There are other therapies that seem to help some people — from massage to braces to Chinese medicine. Each person must decide what works for them.

In addition to medical intervention and therapies, there are some simple strategies that can be done by everyone — they can help to control pain, improve independence and quality of life, and slow the progression of the disease.

Here are five strategies that may help:

• Weight reduction: Even modest weight loss (as little as 5 pounds) may be beneficial by putting less stress on the joints and their function.

• Rest and relaxation: Deep breathing, visual imagery while listening to music, tensing and relaxing individual muscles, and self-generated meditation exercises — all can be done at the end of an exercise class or alone at home in the comfort of your favourite chair.

• Joint protection: Limiting stress to the joints is important, so remember these basic principles of joint protection: (1) respect pain; (2) distribute the load over stronger joints; (3) avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time; (4) reduce weight; (5) use good posture and body mechanics; (6) use the minimum amount of force necessary; (7) balance work with rest; and, (8) remain active.

• Energy conservation: Conserving your energy overlaps with protecting your joints. Planning ahead, organizing tasks, and taking regular breaks will help to conserve your energy.

• Exercise: See Parts 3 and 4 for exercise guidelines and principles.

Source: Exercise and Arthritis by Stephanie Harris, MD, and Gwen Hyatt, MS