Kansas Arthritis Program - Physical Activity
Lisa Williams |
People with arthritis benefit from moving their joints on a daily basis. There are numerous benefits to increased physical activity for a person with arthritis. The following are just a few:
Another benefit of physical activity for a person with arthritis to note: Physical activity, with proper warm up and cool down, actually nourishes the cartilage between joints. This fact dispels the myth that physical activity can cause more damage to the joint. More damage is actually done to the joint by not exercising it because then it degenerates and becomes stiff, often leading to more inflammation. Physical Activity helps to break the "Chronic Pain Cycle."
For more information about physical activity programs, please contact: |
As
noted in the Arthritis Foundation's People with Arthritis Can Exercise (PACE) Leaders Manual
(1999, 1993): "...when movement of a body part leads to pain, there is a tendency to stop
moving that joint. Muscle spasms also can occur, which further tighten muscles and cause
pain. Continued disuse of a joint may cause stiffness, eventual joint contracture (shortening
of muscles and ligaments), and other deformities, thus making less movement possible. This
loss of motion can lead to loss of function and disability, resulting in the loss of self-esteem
and withdrawal from social activities. Depression and stress can result, which increases
muscle tension and causes more pain. The additional pain can increase anxiety. And more
anxiety = more tension = more pain and so on through the cycle."