Temporal arteritis is a condition that causes extreme headaches and pain in the temple area of the head. Exercise does not prevent the condition, but can lower the risk and symptoms by increasing your overall health. Consult your physician before starting a new exercise program if you are currently not active.
Identification
Temporal arteritis, also referred to as giant cell arteritis or cranial arteritis, is an inflammation that occurs in the lining of the arteries. Arteries carry oxygenated blood from the heart to all the areas of the body. Temporal arteritis mainly affects the arteries found in the head. Researchers do not fully know what causes temporal arteritis in a person. The symptoms of the condition include throbbing headaches, pain in the jaw and blurry vision. A person may feel like they are getting the flu, including a fever. It is possible for a person to have sudden, unexplained weight loss in some cases.
Exercise
MayoClinic.com recommends regular aerobic exercise for people with temporal arteritis. Exercise helps prevent high blood pressure, bone loss and diabetes. Some patients find that exercise helps their mood and happiness levels, especially while dealing with a medical condition. Consult your doctor about the best exercise type and duration based on your condition. Walking is a good, low-impact exercise that many patients can perform. Start with 30 minutes of walking at a comfortable pace, and increase the duration and intensity as your strength increases.
Prevention
There are no prevention methods for temporal arteritis. A person can prevent a decrease in immunity that may cause the condition by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Consume natural sources of vitamins by including fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, lean meat, fish and whole grains in your diet. Avoid processed and high sugar content foods to lower your risk of high blood pressure and diabetic problems.
Warning
Arrange for an appointment with your doctor if you have recurrent symptoms of temporal arteritis. People with polymyalgia rheumatica have an increased risk of developing the condition. Improper or delayed treatment of temporal arteritis may result in vision loss, damage to blood vessels or a stroke in some people. Following a healthy lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and exercise will decrease the risk of developing temporal arteritis.
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