Exercise Away Your Joint Pain: Debunking the Myths
At first, it may seem counterintuitive to suggest that individuals with joint pain engage in regular exercise and movement. However, exercise can effectively relieve osteoarthritis pain and enhance overall mobility. Here's what you need to know.
Exercise can ease osteoarthritis joint pain.
📅 March 12, 2024 – 💔 It hurt to walk. So Dianne Rosenbluth saw a surgeon that friends recommended at the Duke University School of Medicine, had an X-ray, and found out she has osteoarthritis. But guess what? Exercise has helped ease her pain and improve her mobility. 💪
Rosenbluth’s pain went away after a hip replacement, but she struggled to get her stamina back. She knew she had to “keep going and keep moving” to get better, including after a second hip replacement about 10 years ago. When the Duke Health & Fitness Center opened in nearby Durham, NC, the real estate agent, entrepreneur, and former teacher signed up.
“As long as I can take care of things with good medical advice, that is a privilege,” Rosenbluth said.
It may sound counterintuitive at first – suggesting that people with joint pain exercise and move more in general. But experts agree with Rosenbluth that physical activity can lessen the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
“Someone with joint pain is often concerned that exercising will exacerbate their pain and they are hesitant to start engaging in any physical activity,” said Leigh F. Callahan, PhD, associate director of the Thurston Arthritis Research Center at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
There is a lot of evidence from medical studies that a “measured approach” to exercise can help, noted Callahan, who is also director of the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance. For example, people who are inactive should start with a low-intensity activity like walking and slowly increase their distance over time.
The Undeniable Benefits of Exercise
The potential benefits go beyond improving joint pain. There are multiple well-conducted trials that show physical activity and exercise improve a range of arthritis and joint-related symptoms, including pain, stiffness, swelling, and the ability to perform activities of daily living, Callahan said.
“In addition to the improvement in arthritis symptoms, exercise and physical activity provide mental health benefits and improve overall quality of life.”
“It can seem surprising, but gentle exercise is actually a great way to manage osteoarthritis pain,” said Nick Turkas, senior director of patient education at the Arthritis Foundation. Regular movement keeps joints flexible, preventing stiffness and increasing a person’s range of motion, he said.
The 2-Hour Rule
Like anyone beginning a new exercise routine, check with your doctor first and start slowly, Callahan recommended.
“No pain, no gain” does not apply to exercise for people with osteoarthritis. Exercise should be challenging but not cause sharp pain, Turkas said. “We have a 2-hour pain rule. If your pain is worse 2 hours after exercise, dial it back next time.”
People may feel some pain or discomfort if they were inactive before starting to exercise, Callahan said. “However, sharp pain, pain in a new area, and pain that lasts more than 2 hours after exercising are “some of the signs they might be overdoing [it] or something is wrong.”
Common Misconceptions
Turkas dispelled some common myths people have around osteoarthritis and exercise. For example, people with joint pain might hesitate to increase their physical activity level because they worry exercise will just make their pain worse.
“This is a concern,” he said, “but gentle exercise is actually proven to reduce pain and stiffness in the long run.”
Another mistaken belief is people cannot exercise because they are too stiff. Turkas recommended that people focus on their range of motion and start with small movements that they increase over time.
And no, exercise will not “wear out” a joint, he noted. “Our joints aren’t machines. Movement builds joint strength – stronger muscles, tendons, and ligaments, support proper joint alignment for efficient movement and stability.”
Fluid and Flexibility
One of the key factors in greater flexibility is synovial fluid, a thick liquid within the knees, hips, and other joints that keeps them lubricated. Healthy joint cartilage acts like a sponge, Turkas said, absorbing synovial fluid for smooth movement.
In addition to creating more synovial fluid around the joints, exercise can increase circulation of nutrients to joints, reduce inflammation, and increase blood flow to joints. Exercise also “promotes weight loss, which is helpful for joint pain and improves balance and coordination,” Callahan said.
Physical activity can also strengthen the muscles around the joints. Strong muscles around the joint act like natural braces, taking pressure off the joint itself, Turkas said. “Exercise strengthens these muscles – improving stability and potentially reducing pain.”
When to Seek Specialty Care
Knowing when to manage osteoarthritis joint pain at home and when to seek specialty care is essential. “If you’re experiencing joint pain for more than 2 weeks, it’s important to consult a doctor to discuss the best course of action,” Turkas said. Specialists can confirm if arthritis is causing your symptoms, and they can help diagnose the specific form you have. There are more than 100 forms of arthritis, and a proper diagnosis is the key to the best treatment, he said.
Callahan recommended arthritis-appropriate evidence-based interventions (AAEBIs) for people who want to learn more about exercise. There are 14 AAEBI exercise programs. The Arthritis Foundation offers a “Walk with Ease” program that leads people through appropriate steps for setting goals, warming up, walking, cooling down, and stretching properly.
The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance and the CDC recognize these AAEBIs because they increase physical activity and improve arthritis symptoms. Many are offered virtually as well as in-person in community settings.
Ready to make a change? The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance offers guidance on how people with joint pain can think about starting physical activity.
As for Rosenbluth, “I need to keep going,” she said. “If I keep moving and build my stamina, I can do more.”
Q&A: Answering Your Burning Questions
Q: I have severe joint pain. Should I avoid exercise altogether?
A: No, you shouldn’t! While it may seem counterintuitive, exercise can actually help alleviate joint pain in the long run. Start with low-intensity activities like walking or swimming and gradually increase your exercise routine. Always listen to your body and consult with your doctor first.
Q: I’m worried that exercise will worsen my arthritis symptoms. How can I overcome this fear?
A: It’s natural to be concerned, but gentle exercise has been proven to reduce pain and stiffness. Start with small movements to improve your range of motion, and remember that exercise strengthens the muscles around the joints, providing stability and potentially reducing pain.
Q: Can exercise really prevent joint degeneration?
A: While exercise cannot prevent the natural wear and tear on joints, it does strengthen the supporting muscles, tendons, and ligaments, improving joint stability. Additionally, exercise promotes weight loss, which can alleviate joint pain and enhance overall well-being.
Q: I’m experiencing sharp pain after exercising. What should I do?
A: Pay attention to your body’s signals. It’s recommended to follow the 2-hour pain rule: if your pain worsens 2 hours after exercising, dial it back next time. Some discomfort is to be expected, especially if you were inactive before starting your exercise routine. However, sharp or prolonged pain may indicate that you’re overdoing it or that something is wrong. Consult with your doctor for further guidance.
Q: Where can I find arthritis-appropriate exercise programs?
A: The Arthritis Foundation offers a program called “Walk with Ease” that provides guidance on goal-setting, warm-ups, walking routines, cooling down, and stretching. Additionally, the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance and the CDC recognize 14 arthritis-appropriate evidence-based interventions. These programs increase physical activity and improve arthritis symptoms. Many of them are available both in-person and virtually.
References:
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📸 Image Credit: Unsplash
