Exercising with osteoarthritis

Wed., Nov. 23, 2005

Andrea Renee Wyatt, M.S.S., C.S.C.S. King Features Syndicate

Q: My friends and I have decided to start exercising together. There are two of us in the group who have osteoarthritis. Is it safe for us to exercise with arthritis? If so, are there certain exercises we should avoid?

A: Research suggests that approximately 20 million people are dealing with osteoarthritis. The pain, stiffness and loss of range of motion that happens over time is caused by the deterioration of cartilage, the material that lines the joints.

This breakdown in cartilage causes the joints to rub together, possibly causing mild to severe pain. Most often found in weight-bearing joints, the hands and spine, symptoms of osteoarthritis can disrupt everyday activities.

Factors such as genetics, time and body weight all play a role in the development of osteoarthritis. Although you cannot change your genetics, maintaining the proper body weight can help prevent repeated, unwanted wear and tear on joint cartilage, such as in the knees.

Dr. John Mamana, founder of Health Sciences, Inc., states that: “Running and weight-bearing exercises are most likely to put the participant at a higher risk. That’s because highly repetitive, stressful exercising like running tends to wear down the protective cartilage in the joint more quickly than normal wear and tear. Some studies suggest that certain people who already have slight abnormalities in their joints and their joint alignment make up the large majority of individuals susceptible to this process.

“However, the vast number of middle-aged and older individuals with primary osteoarthritis need to exercise to reduce the impact of osteoarthritis on their lives. Regular exercise is essential to this group to maintain their ideal body weights. Moderate exercise is also essential to build strong muscles to support the joints and increase both endurance and flexibility.”

With this in mind, let your body be your guide. Listen to the responses your body is having to exercise, such as inflammation, pain and stiffness. Do not push through discomfort in order to keep up with your friends. Understand that you may need to modify certain exercises to fit your individual fitness needs.

Always consult a physician before beginning an exercise program.

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