|
E-mail this page to a friend!
Myth That Exercise and Arthritis Don't Mix Still
Lingers
Expert says avoiding exercise is wrong thing to do
May 26, 2005 - Most patients still believe
something other than exercise is the most effective non-drug treatment
for osteoarthritis, according to a new poll. One expert says avoiding
exercise is the wrong thing to do.
|
Related Story |
|
|
Senior
Citizen Athletes Find Joints Paying the Price
Older Americans are storming gyms, sports arenas like
people half their age
March 31, 2005 - Charles Witke is an avid walker,
dog trainer and gym member intent on staying in shape by being active
every day. And at age 73, hes doesnt let anything including
arthritis or a shoulder injury slow him down.
Read more...
|
|
"For years, people with arthritis thought the right
answer was to avoid activity, physical therapy and exercise, for fear
that their pain would get worse. Well, avoiding activity and exercise is
actually the wrong answer," says Vert Mooney, M.D., an orthopedic spine
surgeon in San Diego, and author of a new article published on Spine-health.com
about spinal osteoarthritis treatment options.
"The common thread among most osteoarthritis
patients successfully managing their condition, including reducing pain
and improving movement, is regular exercise. While the poll results show
that more and more people understand the role of exercise in helping
improve osteoarthritis symptoms, there is work to do in adequately
busting the myth that arthritis and exercise don't mix," added Dr.
Mooney.
The poll by Spine-health.com of 897 back pain
patients shows that 53% of patients chose options besides exercise as
the best course of action for treating osteoarthritis pain and
inflammation.
Eighteen percent chose "heat/ice", 12% chose
"rest", 12% chose "manipulation (chiropractic/osteopathic adjustments),
9% chose "acupuncture" and 2% chose "support devices (a brace).
Of the several varieties of arthritis, the most
common, disabling and often the most painful is osteo- (meaning bone)
arthritis, mostly affecting knees, hips, hands, feet and the spine.
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint
disease, affects up to 30 million Americans, mostly women and usually
those over 45 or 50 years of age. Normally, joints have remarkably
little friction and move easily, but with degeneration of the joint, the
cartilage becomes rough and likely worn out - causing the joint halves
to rub against each other, creating pain and limiting motion.
For those with osteoarthritis, exercise should focus on strengthening
the muscles around the joints (removing some stress from the joints),
improving joint mobility and reducing joint stiffness and pain.
The recommended categories of exercise usually
include strengthening (done on resistance or weight machines or with
exercise bands), low impact aerobics, and range of motion exercises.
Popular activities for arthritis sufferers include
gentle exercises such as swimming and other water therapy, walking,
stationary cycling, yoga, even golf. "The key is making the patient's
muscles work harder (not necessarily faster or longer) than they usually
do with normal daily activity. However, exercise needs to be done
correctly to avoid causing further joint pain and should be guided by an
appropriately trained physical therapist or other professional," adds
Dr. Mooney.
Further information on osteoarthritis and treatment
options, including exercise, medication, and surgery, can be viewed at
http://www.spine-health.com/.
Click to More Senior News on the
Front Page
Copyright: SeniorJournal.com |
