How can low-impact exercise aid in reducing arthritis pain?
Millions suffer from agonizing arthritis, especially the elderly. Joint inflammation causes pain, stiffness, and edema. Arthritis can make walking, lifting, and even getting up difficult. Arthritis sufferers can relieve discomfort with low-impact workouts.
Arthritis is a painful condition that affects millions of people, especially among the elderly. It is a type of joint inflammation that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. Unfortunately, arthritis can make daily activities such as walking, lifting objects, and even getting out of bed incredibly difficult. The good news is that there are various low-impact exercises that arthritis patients can do to ease the pain.
Low impact exercises refer to any physical activity that puts less strain on the joints than high-impact exercises. These exercises are considered safe for joint health because they help reduce the pressure on your joints, making them perfect for individuals with arthritis. Here are some low-impact exercises that have been found to be effective in reducing arthritis pain:
Swimming
Swimming is considered one of the best low-impact exercises for individuals with arthritis due to its gentle nature.
When you swim, your body is buoyant, and it reduces the pressure on your joints. This allows you to move more freely without experiencing much pain or discomfort.
Swimming also strengthens the muscles surrounding the joints, which can help alleviate pain and reduce the risk of further damage to the joints.
Cycling
Cycling is another low impact exercise that has been found to be helpful for individuals with arthritis.
Cycling is a great way to keep your joints moving without putting too much strain on them.
It helps improve cardiovascular health, which is essential for overall health and well-being.
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice that has been found to be helpful in easing arthritis pain.
Yoga involves:
- Stretching
- Controlled breathing
- Meditation
- It can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.
- It also helps improve flexibility and balance, which can help prevent falls, especially in older adults or individuals with arthritis.
Walking
Walking is a low-impact exercise that you can do almost anywhere.
Walking has been found to be effective in reducing arthritis pain and improving overall health.
When you walk, your joints move freely, which helps reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling.
It is a great way to improve cardiovascular health, which can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions.
Strength Training
Strength training is a type of exercise that involves resistance training that focuses on building muscle strength.
It is especially helpful for individuals with arthritis because it helps strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints, which can help reduce pain and improve joint stability
Start with lighter weights and gradually increase them over time as your strength improves.
What are other benefits of Low-Impact Exercises?
Low impact exercises not only help reduce arthritis pain but also have numerous other benefits. These benefits include:
Reduced Inflammation
It can help reduce inflammation, which is a leading cause of arthritis pain. Regular physical activity can help reduce inflammation in the body by improving blood flow and reducing the number of inflammatory chemicals produced by the body.
Improved Joint Function
Such exercises can help improve joint function by increasing the flexibility of the joints and strengthening the muscles surrounding the joints. This can help improve mobility and reduce pain, making it easier to carry out daily activities without experiencing much discomfort.
Weight Management
Who does not want to lose weight? It is important for individuals with arthritis because excess weight puts more pressure on the joints. Regular physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, can help burn calories and maintain a healthy weight.
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Low impact exercises are excellent for improving cardiovascular health, which is essential for overall health and well-being. Cardiovascular exercise helps improve heart and lung function.
Overall, your fitness regime is customizable. Do what your body can sustain. Do not push yourself. Build your fitness regime gradually. Our bodies are very versatile and it is important to follow a good rhythm. The article looks over a few low impact exercises and aims to encourage you to start with a positive mind.
