What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions and a leading cause of disability in Australia. Arthritis is a broad term to describe joint disease that leads to pain, decreased joint mobility, and weakness. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
-
Osteoarthritis causes cartilage — the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint — to break down.
-
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.
Arthritis
How is Arthritis treated?
Arthritis treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. As well as commonly prescribed pain medications (NSAIDS, Paracetamol) there are some helpful lifestyle changes which can help with arthritis. Important modifiable factors include Maintaining a healthy Body Weight, Regular Exercise, Eating a healthy diet consisting of lots of fruits and vegetables, Vitamin C supplementation, Getting enough sleep, taking time to relax and destress, and reducing Alcohol Consumption to name a few. Together these changes can help reduce the systemic inflammation which encompasses Arthritis – and many other health problems.
How can an Exercise Physiologist help?
People with arthritis can experience a number of benefits from a thoughtful and closely monitored exercise program. Specifically, regular exercise can prevent deconditioning of the muscles, keep the joints stable, improve joint function and flexibility, decrease pain, enhance aerobic fitness, improve balance, and decrease falls. An exercise physiologist will assess your current capacities and guide you through the process of finding the most beneficial and enjoyable exercise to get you moving and feeling better.
