Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, which is inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, results from the normal deterioration of the cartilage between joints. Although osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, the condition most often affects joints in the hips, knees, neck, lower back and hands. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition that causes joint pain and stiffness, says MayoClinic.com. The Arthritis Foundation recommends walking for people with osteoarthritis to strengthen the bones and joints and alleviate pain.
Osteoarthritis
Cartilage cushions the ends of the bones in your joints. When your cartilage wears away, the resulting uneven surface causes irritation and, with continued deterioration, results in your bones rubbing together. Without the protective cartilage, your bones can become damaged. The condition causes pain and loss of flexibility in your joints. Although osteoarthritis is a normal condition of the aging, other causes are joint injuries, joint stress, muscle weakness, obesity and heredity. Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, says MayoClinic.com.
Walking
Walking is an aerobic exercise and a weight-bearing exercise. Aerobic exercise works your major muscle groups in sustained activity to increase your heart and breathing rate, which improves your cardiovascular health and endurance. Walking is a gentle exercise that can improve joint flexibility and provide joint stability by strengthening the muscles and tissues around your joints, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Walking can help strengthen your bones and prevent osteoporosis, a condition that results from the thinning of bones, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Water Walking
Water walking is a low-impact alternative to walking on land. The buoyancy of the water supports your weight, reduces the stress on your joints and alleviates pain. Walking performed in water is not a weight-bearing exercise; however, water provides 12 times more resistance than air, so water walking strengthens and builds muscle. The Arthritis Foundation recommends walking in shallow water or wearing a flotation devise for deep water walking.
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
Severe osteoarthritis of the hips can significantly affect your mobility. People with osteoarthritis of the hip have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, standing from a sitting position and getting in and out of cars. Performing daily activities can become more difficult. The University of Washington Medicine Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine says patients with osteoarthritis of the hips should avoid decreasing their level of activity and choose stationary bicycling, swimming or water aerobics instead of walking or running, which are not recommended for people with osteoarthritis of the hip.
Tips and Warnings
The Arthritis Foundation has a Walk With Ease program that allows you to sign up online, create a walking group, access the foundation's resources for remaining active with osteoarthritis, and track your progress. Consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program or changing your level or type of exercise. Your doctor will consider your individual condition and the progression of your joint degeneration to determine whether walking is appropriate for you. Avoid walking when your joints are swollen or tender.
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