FITNESS
Written by Satata Karmakar | Updated : October 21, 2024 2:09 PM IST Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes stiffness, redness, or inflammation in the joints. Although there is no cure for arthritis, research proves that regular exercise can help manage symptoms, enhance the quality of life, and improve joint functioning. World Health Organization (WHO) says exercise is an effective regimen for arthritis. Several studies reveal that yoga and physiotherapy can manage osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A study by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) found that osteoarthritis patients who practised yoga improved joint mobility, pain management, and emotional well-being. To understand more about this link between regular exercises and osteoarthritis management, we reached out to Dr Mayanka Lodha Seth, Chief Pathologist, Redcliffe Labs. Scroll down to know what he said. More News Exercising can help improve health and fitness in people with arthritis without affecting joints. Consistent exercise can boost the immune system and promote healthy body weight. CDC recommends adults to exercise for at least 150 minutes a week. Strength exercises can help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling around the joints and build firm muscles. They can also improve muscle strength through exercises like leg raises, wall push-ups, biking, hip extensions, and chair standing. Experts recommend weight training at least twice a week. Allow your body to rest between exercises and your muscles to recover. Before practicing strength exercises, communicate with your doctor. Aerobic exercise helps improve overall fitness. Walking and cycling are some aerobic exercises that one can perform at home. These low-impact exercises are great for maintaining heart health without putting excessive force or stress on your joints. Doctors recommend that patients with arthritis perform aerobic exercise for 10 minutes if it's easier on their joints. Aerobic exercise can raise heart rate, so perform exercise at a rate at which breathing is harder than usual while still being able to walk. Arthritis can cause inflammation, redness, and limited mobility. Slow and steady range of motion exercises can help maintain joint flexibility and stay intact. A study by The Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma highlighted that combining motion exercises, physical therapy, and yoga can improve functional status and relieve pain in arthritis patients. Mind-body exercises like Yoga, tai chi, and Meditation require no equipment or excessive physical movement. They focus on improving mental and emotional well-being by reducing joint stress and pressure. Doctors recommend Tai Chi as a therapeutic approach for people with osteoarthritis in the hips and knees. The gentle moves of Tai Chi and yoga can improve physical, mental, and emotional health. Studies have shown that regular exercise for 30 minutes daily can reduce fatigue, depression, and loss of muscle mass in people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, people with damaged joints should avoid intensive exercise, as it can increase joint damage. Doctors recommend healthy tips for people exercising with arthritis: Regular and gentle exercise that suits your body and doesn't damage joints can reduce arthritis symptoms. Aerobic exercise, yoga, Tai Chi, and strength exercises can improve joint pain and stiffness. If you feel pain or discomfort in the joints, do not continue with the exercise. Always communicate with your doctor before, during, and after exercising. Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates. Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today! Enroll for our free updates Thank You for Subscribing Thanks for Updating Your Information None
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