Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. It's the most common form of arthritis, marked by a loss of cartilage within your joints. Over time, the top layer of this protective cushioning begins to deteriorate, bringing the ends of your bones closer and closer together and leading to symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Treating this disease usually entails minimizing these symptoms. While a number of components make up treatment plans, exercise is included in many of them.
Exercise
According to the Arthritis Foundation, exercise is the most effective "nondrug" treatment for osteoarthritis. It helps to strengthen the muscles, tendons and bones of the affected joint, which not only can improve mobility, but also reduces pain as well as increases both flexibility and stamina. But many exercises can cause stress to the joints, especially when osteoarthritis affects the knees and hips. To alleviate some of the impact on these joints, some people use a device known as the rebounder.
Rebounder
The rebounder is basically a mini-trampoline. It provides an exercise surface with much more give than wood, carpet, foam or rubber. Like a standard trampoline, each step you take absorbs a portion of the impact, relieving some of the stress placed on the joints from upright exercises. You can walk in place, jog in place and engage in other aerobic activities without placing as much strain on your joints. The device also comes with an adjustable bar you can attach to its base and use as a handrail for added support.
Time Frame
As with any exercise program, it's best to start off slowly, even when using a rebounder. Engage in low-to-moderate physical activity for five minutes a day to start and progress from there. As your fitness level improves, increase the time or intensity of your workout. The Arthritis Foundation recommends a goal of 30 minutes three to four times a week.
Pain
Of course, listen to your body whenever you work out. If you feel any pain, the Mayo Clinic strongly advises you to stop the activity and rest the joint. You may need to rest it for 12 to 24 hours. You may also want to apply some heat for 20 minutes at time to ease some of the pain. Alternating with ice can help reduce inflammation as well as pain.
Recommendation
Before starting any type of exercise program, talk to a doctor or physical therapist. Medical professionals can assess your joints, health, level of fitness and associated symptoms to help establish the most effective exercise program. Your doctor may find that very low-impact exercise, like biking or swimming, may be better for you than walking or jogging in place on a rebounder.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Osteoarthritis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Osteoarthritis
- Arthritis Foundation: Osteoarthritis Treatment Options
- Arthritis Foundation: Top Three Types of Exercises
- Learn About Arthritis: Rebounders and Osteoarthritis
- Arthritis Exercises: Best Arthritis Low-Impact Exercises -- Rebounding Arthritis
