What is arthritis?
Osteoarthritis occurs due to thinning of cartilage between joint surfaces, resulting in what is often termed "bone on bone" action. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis with 1.6 million Australians currently living with it. The most common joints affected by osteoarthritis are the hips and knees.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis, affecting 428,000 Australians. Compared to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that results in swelling, tenderness to touch, stiffness, and persistent pain in smaller joints such as the hands and feet. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints and causes inflammation.
Exercise and Arthritis
Engaging in an exercise program can reduce pain levels associated with arthritis by increasing joint mobility, increasing the strength of muscles that support the joints, which in turn assists reducing the load on joints, and correcting postural imbalances that may be contributing to additional stress placed on joints.
Key Points About Exercising With Arthritic Pain
2. Ensure that you warm up and cool down slowly to assist in managing stiffness.
3. Start low and go slow.
4. Don’t push into stronger pain.