It's Just My Arthritis…
It’s just my arthritis…
You may have said this yourself or heard your friends or family members saying this. You don’t have to just “deal with it” or “live with it.” Arthritis is unfortunately a very common and somewhat inevitable issue for many individuals. However, arthritis does not always equate to pain. It can be asymptomatic especially when managed appropriately.
Even more importantly, osteoarthritis is associated with many debilitating conditions including Type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. It can also lead to decreased physical activity, something that many individuals in this country already do not meet the recommendations of the American College of Sports Medicine. The current recommendations for adults of all ages are to complete 150-300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise or 75-150 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity exercise. Adults should also participate in moderate-intensity muscle strengthening two days per week targeting the major muscle groups. It is recommended that for individuals who cannot complete 150 minutes of exercise because of other chronic conditions, they should be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow.
What should I do?
These recommendations should even be followed by individuals with osteoarthritis conditions. In recent years, many studies have looked at the management of individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis. They have found that therapeutic exercise is helpful in reducing pain and improving joint mobility. It has been concluded that exercise should be on the first line of defense in the management of these issues.
Here at Paulseth PT, we can help to build and guide you through your exercise routine, so you can effectively manage your joint arthritis and pain. You don’t have let that nagging pain be something you learn to deal with. Let us help you get back to all of your daily activities and improve your quality of life.