Fitness and Arthritis

There is a disclaimer that every person is familiar with:  “Before starting any exercise routine, always contact your physician.”  This article encourages you to see Dr. Crayton before you begin an exercise program; however, even The Arthritis Foundation acknowledges that an exercise program improves the symptoms of this dreaded disease.

“When arthritis causes pain and fatigue, beginning and sticking with an exercise program can be a challenge.  But a new study confirms that doing so can pay off.  Led by Leigh F. Callahan, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, N.C., the study involved 346 patients with an average age of 70 who had self-reported arthritis.  The participants were divided into two groups: an intervention group that took part in the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (formerly known as People with Arthritis Can Exercise, or PACE), which consisted of exercise classes at basic and advanced levels that met for an hour twice weekly for eight weeks, and a control group that was offered the program after eight weeks.  The researchers measured pain, stiffness, and fatigue using visual analog scales, tools that help patients rate the intensity of sensations.  Physical function was evaluated by using self-reporting as well as performance-based measures such as lifting weights, and psychosocial outcomes were assessed using four different scales.

“The results showed that the intervention group had significant improvements in pain, fatigue, and managing arthritis at eight weeks and maintained improvements in pain and fatigue at six months.”

That said, know this:  Exercise Is Good Medicine!  And for the arthritis sufferer, there should be several goals to an exercise program:

• Increase energy
• Ease osteoarthritis pain
• Reduce fibromyalgia pain and fatigue
• Relieve depression
• Maintain weight
• Prevent osteoporosis or reduce bone loss

Exercise routines should include mild, moderate, and vigorous activity.  However, depending on the type of arthritis you are experiencing – not to mention previous surgeries or injuries you may have experienced – exercise should be specifically designed to your level of age and physical condition.  Dr. Crayton will be more than happy to outline an exercise program expressly designed with YOU in mind.  Plus, doing exercise incorrectly can actually cause further damage to your joints, so seek expert help before you begin to work out through scheduling a consult with Dr. Crayton at The Arthritis and Infusion Center.