Two basic types of arthritis exist. One is osteoarthritis which results from a degeneration of synovial fluid (a joint lubricant), typically progressing into a loss of articular cartilage (cartilage that allows ends of bones to glide without friction). The other is rheumatoid arthritis , a chronic autoimmune disease that results in inflammation of the synovium and leads to long term joint damage, pain and loss of function. Rheumatoid arthritis (R.A.) is progressive and progresses through three distinct phases I will not elaborate on in this blog posting.
Good news exists for arthritis sufferers, and that is whether you suffer from R.A. or osteoarthritis, exercise will help manage symptoms and slow down the breakdown of joint integrity, which, further assists in slowing down the decline of functional capacity. Maintaining functional capacity is important, as without it, we become more sedentary in lifestyle. As we are aware, sedentary lifestyles lead to weight gain and other health problems.
If you, or someone you know is an arthritis sufferer, please encourage them to discuss with their physician what they can and cannot do to better manage their symptoms outside of pharmacotherapy. Exercise prescriptions will follow a certain protocol where safety is paramount, and a slow progression of difficulty will be implemented over time, with every necessary precaution taken along the way to prevent unnecessary degradation within ailing joints. "Easing symptoms" is a typical goal of an exercise program for arthritis and one of the best approaches to minimize pain and preserve joint range of motion and strength.
