Originally published June 15 2005
Myth of exercise's negative effects on arthritis persists despite evidence to the contrary
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The belief that drugs are the only alternative to arthritis pain, and that exercise is bad for the condition, is still prevalent, according to Medical News Today, but many patients and doctors are finding that a little physical activity is great for arthritis symptoms.
Most patients still believe something other than exercise is the most effective non-drug treatment for osteoarthritis, according to a new poll by Spine-health.
The Spine-health.com poll 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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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