Exercise and Arthritis

Continued...

Diagnosis is made by a combination of physical findings, joint-fluid analysis, blood test and X-ray findings. joints may also be involved in some other forms of auto-immune disease, such as systemic lupus erythematosus. In these other conditions, joints are usually not destroyed by the inflammatory process, but may be very sore and painful, a condition called arthralgia.

Because of the fatigue and pain present with rheumatic diseases, individuals often stop conditioning programs and gain weight. They are fearful of injuring or aggravating their underlying conditions.

Except during acute flare-ups, regular aerobic exercise benefits these people by increasing strength, endurance, flexibility cardiovascular conditioning, weight loss and quality of life. Supervised exercise programs may be the most beneficial because they help assure correct form; they also increase motivation and help an out-of-shape person learn his or her limits.

Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis does not "spread" to other joints. if you do not experience pain in your knee, ankle or hip when you run, you do not need to worry that your exercise program will cause arthritis down the line.

Tips to prevent arthritis

I. Maintain a normal body weight. Obese people have a greater risk of developing osteoarthritis.

2. Protect your joints from degeneration by maintaining good posture.

3. Train to develop balance between the opposing muscle groups around joints. For example, the quadriceps should be one-and-a-half times as strong as the hamstrings for proper knee support.

4. Maintain a consistent exercise program. Strong bones, ligaments and healthy cartilage used in a normal manner may lessen your chance of developing osteoarthritis.

5. Rest when tired or injured. Fatigued or weak muscles have less ability to absorb shock and may transmit more impact to bones. If you have an injury, make sure the supporting structures are in balance before resuming vigorous training.

6. Do not exercise on acutely injured or inflamed joints unless cleared by your physician.

7 Seek medical care early for effective treatment of any form of arthritis. The sooner you get treatment, the less joint damage will occur.

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About the authors: Carol L. Otis, M.D., is Chief Medical Advisor to the Sanex WTA and UCLA student health physician. Roger Goldingay is a former professional soccer player. They are married and the co-authors of The Athletic Woman's Survival Guide.

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Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
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