Not to be confused with osteoarthritis, arthritis is quite widespread because it concerns approximately 1 in 100 people in Franceand not just elderly people, says Inserm. This condition corresponds to an inflammation of the membrane that lines the inside of the jointsthat is, the synovial membrane, and can lead to many chronic pain likely to affect the daily lives of patients.
There is currently no treatment to cure arthritis, but it is possible to relieve its symptoms, in particular by taking medications to slow down inflammation. However, Inserm reminds us that Arthritis pain can also be relieved with sports activity. But what sport should you practice to avoid the risk of damaging your joints, which are already affected by the disease? To see things more clearly, physiotherapist Tobi Jevnikar shared, in an article published on the website of the Cleveland Clinic (United States), the 4 sports to favor to relieve arthritis pain.
What sport should you practice to reduce arthritis pain?
What type of exercise should you turn to when you want to practice? regular physical activity to relieve arthritis symptoms? According to Tobi Jevnikar, “Low-impact exercises are generally best for people with arthritis”. “You have to choose exercises that will help you gain strength and increase your range of motion without putting pressure on the affected joints“, he added. He also points out that exercise can help you improve your quality of life. Here are the 4 sports that can relieve arthritis pain according to him.
Walking
Among the sports activities to adopt to reduce arthritis pain, the physiotherapist recommends walkingwhich is simple and inexpensive for most patients. He suggests starting with short walks on flat surfaces, to build up endurance and be able to do more challenging hikes later. Indeed, he reminds us not to try to overdo it, because too intense and fast activity is likely to lead to injuries.
He also advises practicing walking outdoors, rather than on a machine.With a treadmill, you have to keep up with it because it will keep moving, with or without you, whereas if you are walking around the block or in a park, you can more naturally speed up and slow down as needed.” he detailed.
Swimming
If you love paddling, swimming could also be great for reducing arthritis pain. In fact, the expert says the buoyancy of the water could provide relief to affected joints. He recommends doing several types of exercises in the water: swimming lengths, walking in the water, or even cycling with your legs.Exercising in water can be a great way to get a workout without putting stress on your joints.“, says the physiotherapist.
He adds that “The resistance of the movement against the water can help strengthen muscles, and the added activity can help burn calories and to lose weightThis activity is therefore ideal for keeping fit while relieving the symptoms of arthritis.
The bike
Beyond being a very efficient means of locomotion, the bike is also a sport to practice to relieve joint pain. Indeed, Tobi Jevnikar explains that “As you are seated, you do not experience the effect of gravity compressing your joints when you ride“He recommends starting with fairly short rides on flat roads, before embarking on longer and more intense journeys.
The elliptical bike
Like the classic bicycle, the elliptical bike allows the feet to be supported while practicing physical activity.You don’t lift and land your foot like you do when walking or jogging, this means your joints don’t take the impact of repeatedly landing on your feet”, describes the expert. These devices are also quite easy to access, in most gyms.
Sources :
- Arthritis Exercise: What To Try and What To Avoid ) Cleveland Clinic – 19 juin 2024
- Before retirement – What is arthritis – Inserm
