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Signs of arthritis can come and go, varying in intensity; for many people, the disease can become more painful over the years. Severe arthritis can lead to chronic pain and disability. An early diagnosis – confirmed by your doctor – can help preserve joint function, mobility and quality of life. This is because disease management may begin, which may involve exercise, weight loss, and medication.
When should I go to the doctor?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said, “Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of arthritis such as pain, stiffness, or swelling in or around one or more of your joints.”
Risk factors for developing arthritis
Being overweight puts more stress on the joints, especially the hips and knees.
During this time, microbial agents – such as bacteria and viruses – can infect the joint and potentially cause some forms of arthritis.
Plus, any joint injury can damage a joint, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis – the most common form of arthritis in the UK.
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“Joint-friendly physical activities are low-impact, which means they put less stress on the body, thereby reducing the risk of injury,” the CDC said.
Staying physically active can delay the onset of arthritis-related disability.
The CDC recommends the “SMART” way to exercise safely with arthritis.
- S – start low, go slow.
- M – change activity when arthritis symptoms increase, try to stay active.
- A – the activities should be “user-friendly”.
- R – recognize safe places and ways to be active.
- T – talk to a healthcare professional or certified exercise specialist.
People with arthritis can have “good” and “bad” days, depending on the severity of their joint pain, stiffness and feeling tired.
The SMART technique is to change activity levels when you are having a “bad” day.
For “major health benefits,” aim for 150 minutes of activity each week.
The CDC also advises you to do “muscle building exercises” twice a week. This may include:
- Lifting weights
- Working with resistance bands
- Yoga.
“Flexibility exercises like stretching and yoga are also important for people with arthritis,” the CDC said.
Daily flexibility exercises help people with arthritis maintain range of motion.
This allows you to continue with daily chores, such as household chores, hobbies, and visiting family and friends.
Any pain that persists for two hours after exercising or gets worse at night may be a sign that you’ve overdone it.
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