How Exercise May Fight Arthritis

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints of the body resulting in pain when moving. It may seem odd to indicate that exercise will help someone reduce pain in their movements when movement seems to be the cause of the pain. However, exercise can positively affect people suffering from the disease or diseases, as there are different types of arthritis. For example, while rheumatoid arthritis involves more inflammation in the joints and occurs in episodes, osteoarthritis is the result of cartilage in the joints gradually eroding, and is continuous.

One of the ways that exercise benefits arthritis sufferers is by "oiling" the joints, so to speak. The substance that "oils" the joints is called synovial fluid. Synovial fluid lubricates the joint and also carries nutritional fluids to the joint. Synovial fluid is secreted by the synovial membrane, the material that lines the inside of joints. Both rheumatoid arthritis sufferers and people with osteoarthritis benefit from the positive effects of the release of synovial fluid caused by exercising.

In addition to the stimulation of the release of synovial fluid, exercise that puts the joint through the entire range of motion helps keep the joint mobile. Caution should be used by arthritis sufferers in joints that are hot, painful or swollen. Repetitions of range of motion exercises should be limited on joints in those conditions.

Another important exercise for people suffering from arthritis is stretching. Stretching helps to get the arthritic joint back to normal flexibility and helps the person with arthritis to keep his or her flexibility.

Strength training exercises are also important in fighting arthritis. The muscles around the joint can support it better if they are stronger, and less wear and tear on the actual joint occurs when the muscles are strong.

More information about exercising is available at the Canadian website, Athritis.ca.