Exercise is a way to maintain a healthy weight, which is especially important for those who have knee osteoarthritis, as obesity can add stress to the joints. The nature of osteoarthritis and the accompanying symptoms can make exercise or running challenging, but there are ways to maintain your fitness. Before starting a new exercise routine, talk with your doctor about whether it is safe for you to do so and what exercises you should be doing, based on your condition.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, or OA, is a progressive disease that results in the degeneration of joint cartilage and affects up to 27 million Americans over the age of 25, says the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. It can occur in a variety of joints, but knees are one of the most commonly affected areas. Symptoms can include joint pain and stiffness, and the condition can get severe and interfere with everyday activities. There is no cure, but depending on the severity of your OA, treatments can include pain medication, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy and surgical procedures such as joint replacement.
Exercises
You may have to modify your exercise routine if you have osteoarthritis of the knee, to reduce strain on the joint and ease your pain. Walking, bicycling or swimming are low-impact exercises that will not stress the joints, suggests MayoClinic.com. Stretching and yoga may help increase flexibility. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that your doctor or physical therapist can help you put together an exercise routine that is best for your condition. Depending on how severe your osteoarthritis is, you may have different exercises.
Running
The high-impact nature of running may not make it the best exercise for individuals with osteoarthritis. If you are a runner already, you may not have to stop running just yet. A 2008 study in the "American Journal of Preventive Medicine" found that the progression of OA was not more severe in individuals who were regular long-distance runners than those who were not runners. Talk with your doctor about your condition, how advanced it is and whether running will benefit you.
Considerations
Before starting an exercise or running regimen, talk with your doctor or physical therapist to make sure it is safe and appropriate for you to do so at this time. You may need to alter the exercises you do to minimize the strain on your knees and avoid discomfort. To ensure you are doing exercises or stretches correctly, see a physical therapist to avoid injury.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Osteoarthritis: Treatments and Drugs; November 2010
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases; Osteoarthritis; July 2010
- "American Journal of Preventive Medicine"; Long Distance Running and Knee Osteoarthritis; E.F. Chakravarty et al.; 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Osteoarthritis: Lifestyle and Home Remedies; November 2010
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Arthritis of the Knee; October 2007
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