Gentle exercise prevents disability due to arthritis

By: Editorial Team | | Updated: October 8, 2014 9:53 am

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Researchers have said that all one needs is an hour’s gentle exercise to help cut your risk of becoming disabled by osteoarthritis by nearly a third. Professor Dorothy Dunlop, of Northwestern University, Chicago, who studied nearly 2,000 patients with arthritis in their knees, said: ‘It is known that the more time people spend in moderate or vigorous activities, the less likely they are to develop disability, Daily Express reported. Also Read - 7 reasons why the #BeefBan is good

The researchers looked at 1,680 people aged 49 to 83, who were free of disability but either had, or were at risk of developing, osteoarthritis in their knees. Patients wore an accelerometer around their hips to check their daily activity levels, and as expected, people engaging in moderate or vigorous activity had less disability two years later. However, the team also found that people who did light physical activity also had fewer disabilities. (Read: Drinking milk could prevent arthritis in women) Also Read - Weight loss diet: How to eat healthy in a restaurant when you want to lose weight

The research has been published in the British Medical Journal.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a joint disorder that causes the inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis is not a single disease – there are over 100 different forms of arthritis. It is a collective term for different individual illnesses, with different features, treatments, complications, and prognoses. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA), which is mostly related to wear and tear of cartilage (osteoarthritis). Arthritis may also be associated with an overactive immune system causing inflammation (rheumatoid arthritis). Other forms of arthritis are associated with skin conditions (psoriatic arthritis), deposition of uric acid (gout), etc. Almost 50 million people around the world are affected by one form or another.

Though arthritis is commonly associated with old age, it may begin at any age – even childhood. Women are affected more than men. Some of the causes of arthritis are hereditary factors, infections (bacterial and viral), lack of joint fluid, autoimmunity, etc. Factors like family history, habits like smoking and drinking, injury from specific activities, etc. increase the risk for osteoarthritis.

Arthritis causes pain and limits the function of the joints. There may be joint swelling, redness, warmth and stiffness. Arthritis may affect the body’s internal organs as well. It is diagnosed based on the symptoms, the inflamed joints affected and through blood tests, X-ray findings, MRI scan, CT scan, synovial fluid analysis and/or a urine test. Treatment may include medications, physiotherapy, exercise, weight control and orthopaedic bracing. Eroding forms of arthritis may require joint replacement surgery. Medications are given to reduce inflammation in the joint which decreases pain. There is no permanent cure for either rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. But with recent developments including new drugs, exercise programs, surgeries and self-management you can now lead full and productive lives. (Read: Arthritis – Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis, Treatment, Management)

Here are some foods to prevent arthritis

Seafood: Fish like salmon, mackerel, trout and sardines are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. And, omega 3 fatty acids are clinically proven to have an anti-rheumatic action. They help to balance the immune mechanism and reduce inflammation caused due to arthritis.

Green cabbage: Cabbage is a vegetable that works wonders for people with arthritis, provided eaten raw. When you cook cabbage, most of its nutrients are lost and you can’t benefit much. On the other hand, raw cabbage apart from providing high nutrient value also acts like a blood purifier. It contains a compound called indole that neutralizes a lot of toxins generated during the metabolic processes of our body. Read more health benefits of cabbage.

Chilli peppers: The anti-arthritic property of hot pepper is attributed to its active ingredient capsaicin that reduces pain and swelling associated with arthritis. A study showed that about 80 percent of patients suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis benefitted by rubbing a cream containing capsaicin on the sore joints just after 2 weeks.

5. Blueberries: Like cherries, blueberries also contain flavonoids –anthocyanins and proanthocyanins, which have significant ability to build and strengthen collagen, reducing flare ups in arthritis. (Read: 9 super foods to fight arthritis)

With inputs from ANI

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Published : May 3, 2014 3:31 pm | Updated:October 8, 2014 9:53 am

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