Arthritis is, obviously, a painful condition – the inflammation and pain can be a barrier to movement and this can result in reduced muscle tone and a general weakening of all the support structures (muscles and ligaments) around the affected joints. In many ways this tends to make the symptoms worse. There are many forms of Physical Therapy that can help.
Maintaining joint mobility – flexion and strength around the joint – is vital. It is natural, because of pain, to use an arthritic joint less and in using that joint less, you use the muscles of that part of the body less so they weaken. This weakening results in more stress to the joint which creates more inflammation and more pain – it can be a vicious circle!
On the other hand, if you exercise correctly – the opposite is true: the muscles and support structures around the joint are strengthened; giving support to the joint and this helps keep the joint flexible, functioning and can actually reduce the pain.
Depending on how severe your arthritis is – you may be referred to a Physiotherapist who can guide you with a tailor made exercise program based on your posture, muscles and the way you walk as well as taking into account activities which cause you most pain. Physiotherapy exercises can range from simple passive stretching exercises to help mobilise a joint, to more physically demanding exercises which work the associated muscles groups to strengthen them.
Even if you don’t get to see a physiotherapist it is important that you exercise and make yourself aware of (and possibly, correct!) your own posture. With a painful joint you will naturally alter the way you sit, walk and generally carry yourself. This can often put increased stresses on other parts of the body which can cause problems with other joints! It is important to sit straight, stand straight and walk straight. Doing this, in combination with some suitable physical therapy exercises, will help you avoid related problems and maintain the strength and mobility of affected joints.
Any, careful, exercise is good and you should carry on doing the activities that you enjoy. Swimming is also especially good as it is a way of exercising most of the muscles of the body whilst avoiding any impacts on the affected joints.