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Arthritis is not necessarily confined to the elderly. Even children and teenagers suffer from this condition. The underlying cause of all types of arthritis is high levels of uric acid in the body. This results from years of bad diet, which includes refined sugars, refined cereals, meats, overcooking of food, lack of exercise and excess alcohol consumption. The food we enjoy and consume are acidic in nature, devoid of nutrients and we are left with a poorly nourished and acidic body an ideal medium for arthritis development. Both arthritis and rheumatism are painful conditions and worsen if left untreated.
Exercise is essential for reducing pain and retarding joint deterioration. It is also vital to strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints, to reduce stiffness and pain, for better mobility and to increase flexibility and endurance. Apart from overall fitness, exercise is also important to improve the cardiovascular, muscular and skeletal systems, to keep weight in control and give one a feeling of wellbeing. Inactivity aggravates the condition and further weakens the bones and muscles and accelerates development of chronic conditions.
It is important to start slow only after consultation with your physician/doctor and is most important to do them under competent guidance.
Walking: Walk with a moderate intensity for 30 to 40 minutes daily. Avoid brisk walking or jogging to prevent joint stress.
Yoga not only improves flexibility and strength of the bones and muscles but also helps relax and de-stress. Asanas like cat-cow pose, ardha matsyendrasana, pawanmukthasana, gomukhasana, trikonasana and sukhasana are recommended. Those who find it difficult to do asanas on the floor can do poses like tadasan, vrikshasana and other gentle stretches. Stretch exercises are vital and necessary to improve range of motion and flexibility around the joints. All these must be done under supervision and guidance.
Strength training exercises using very light weights or calisthenics using your own body weight for resistance are very helpful.
Swimming and aqua aerobics are the perfect workouts for people with arthritis. Swimming provides a full body workout and the soft resistance of water makes it non-injurious with less stress or impact on joints, back, knees and allows a greater range of motion. These exercises are helpful for recovery and rehabilitation for mobility and strength of the muscles and body.
Avoid any form of exercise during an acute phase. Reduce intensity and learn to work out within limits. Respect the body s signals and slow down or stop the activity when pain or discomfort intensifies.
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