Familiar with the agonizing joint pain caused by arthritis? Do you have creaky knees or do you grimace every time you have to climb a set of stairs? Sore joints are the hallmark of arthritis, a condition that is reportedly increasingly common as people age. However, an earlier myth–that arthritis patients should cut exercise time–is now debunked. Arthritis, a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints, is becoming more common, and not just among the elderly. Physicians now advise arthritis patients, as a must, to participate in regular exercise to improve joint function. “Exercises which increase range of motion, strengthening, aerobic conditioning or stretching are safe. They should be done moderately as overuse aggravates arthritis,” said Lt. Col. Dr Alex Butera, an orthopedic surgeon at Rwanda Military Hospital. Dr Butera says exercise has several advantages to arthritic patients as it decreases pain, increases endurance for physical activities for independent living, increases cardiovascular fitness, has an anti inflammatory effect, and decreases likelihood of sway disturbances. “In acute phase of arthritis, physical exercises are not good as they complicate the situation. However, in case of chronic cases, sports can be practiced without danger,” said Dr Janvier Yubahwe, a general practitioner at Ubuzima Polyclinic in Kimironko, Kigali. Patrick J. Skerrett, editor of the Harvard Health Blog, said when pain strikes, it’s human nature to avoid doing things that aggravate it. However, taking a walk on most days of the week can ease arthritis pain and improve other symptoms. Accordingly, walking is good exercise for people with arthritis, but it isn’t the only one. A review of the benefits of exercise for people with osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis) found that strength training, water-based exercise, and balance therapy were the most helpful for reducing pain and improving function. “Swimming or bicycling tend to be better tolerated than other types of exercise among individuals with arthritis in the hips or knees,” according to online sources. Exercise programmes help people with arthritis increase the range of motion in the affected joint, strengthen muscles, build endurance and improve balance. Skerrett said if you have arthritis and don’t currently exercise, start slow. Take a five-minute stroll around your block, swim, or workout on an exercise bicycle. Do it every day, and then gradually increase the time spent exercising or how hard you exercise, but not both at once.
