Joints are part of the skeletal system that allow for a range of motion between intersecting bones. Joints act as a hinge for bending at certain points like the knees or elbows. Other joints allow more complicated movement like rotation of the hips or shoulders. Joints provide flexibility of vertebra in the spine. Just as muscles require nurturing to remain elastic and strong, your joints also need to be worked out regularly. Sedentary lifestyles increase the risk of joint weakness, fragility, stiffness and pain.
Inactivity, Joint Problems and Osteoarthritis
A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of health complications like obesity, which is also a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis. Added weight places a burden on your joints. The smooth cartilage that protects your bones from rubbing against one another becomes frayed and rough, leading to osteoarthritis, a painful and inflammatory form of arthritis. Other risk factors not related to body weight can also cause this condition. However, routine exercise reduces the risk by regularly working the joints to sustain fluidity of motion and preventing joints from having to bear extra weight.
Stiffness, Swelling and Pain
A loss of range of motion or inadequate physical activity, which causes rigidity of the bones around the joint, increases the risk of stiffness and swelling. Stiffness can make motion painful in the affected area, reducing your ability to bend or flex. Inflammation or swelling might occur from trying to move your stiff joints abruptly. Stiffness and swelling of the joints can make subtle movement painful; although this might hinder your desire to exercise, remaining inactive perpetuates the problem.
Fragility and Weakness
Fragile joints and weakness in the ligaments surrounding your joints increases the risk of injury and strains. You might experience joint dislocations or lose your footing because your knees cannot support your upper body weight when you walk. Inactivity increase the risk of your hinging joints becoming fragile and can impact the surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments, resulting in significant injury.
Precautions
Remaining inactive can increase your risk of joint and muscle pain, depression and additional health complications. Not all forms of exercise are helpful in retraining your joints. Consult your physician before starting an exercise program and for recommendations, which might include physical therapy, supportive orthotic devices and anti-inflammatory medications. If you have any form of arthritis or joint problems resultant of inactivity, gradually implement exercise into your daily routine. Engaging in strenuous exercise that your body is not used to can cause more damage. Performing a proper warmup and stretching before exercise can protect your joints from further injury and reduce the risk of overworking your muscles, which can aggravate joint pain. Low-impact workouts like walking, yoga or swimming for shorter than 30 minutes can help strengthen the joints and surrounding muscles.
