Have arthritis? Some of these exercises can help
Just as we often compare the brain to a computer’s CPU, we cannot ignore that the human body in itself is no less than a machine, which can rust if not put to work. This is why health experts cannot stress enough on the importance of exercise for physical health. Often, due to certain medical conditions or the pain we experience, we may avoid exercising, but doctors usually recommend otherwise.
A common medical condition where patients may be unsure if they should exercise is arthritis, which affects millions of people globally. This confusion is usually due to knee pain, which is a common by-product of the condition. Exercising with an arthritic knee may sound absurd, however, contrary to the common belief, regular exercise has actually been found to relieve not just the pain but also symptoms like swelling and stiffness.
Exercises for knee arthritis
It is not enough to just exercise without being well-informed about the effect of those exercises as well as your condition. An arthritis patient doctor or physical therapist can best recommend some exercises, such as strengthening exercises, aerobic exercises, range-of-motion exercises, and other activities. Your doctor should fit exercising into your treatment plan based on the type of arthritis that you have and the joints that are involved. Before beginning to exercise, understand what’s within your limits and what level of exercise is likely to give you results. *Most of these exercises are easy, effective, and convenient and do not require any special equipment or place. They can be carried out at home or even in the office during a break. It is important to keep in mind that these exercises should be made a habit only slowly and gradually. The frequency or intensity should only be increased eventually as the muscles get stronger.
- Exercises like leg raise, hamstring stretch, half-squat, one-leg dip, leg stretch, etc, work well for the arthritis of knees.
- Walking is also an excellent form of exercise for knees as it has low-impact, it is a weight-bearing exercise, and it helps strengthen muscles as well as build bones. Just remember to wear good, sturdy shoes.
- Water exercises or walking in the shallow end of a pool also aid in muscle strength and knee flexibility.
- Swimming is an all-round exercise with no strain on the joints and also good for the heart and lungs.
- Lie on your back with one leg bent at the knee.
- Extend your other leg and slowly trace out the letters of the alphabet in broad strokes.
- Switch legs and repeat the same. *Do this with each leg three to five times, or until your muscles feel fatigued.
