Osteoarthritis exercise time

Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
Updated on September 19, 2024
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We say that all exercise must have a limit, and it should be within the patient’s tolerance. Walking exercises for osteoarthritis are permissible, but we do not advocate excessive exercise. Instead, it is best to focus primarily on rest. We say that life depends on movement, but joints rely on stillness. What does this mean? We do not advocate excessive activity in the joints. What is considered excessive activity? For example, if an osteoarthritis patient finishes a day of walking exercise and feels no pain, swelling, or discomfort in the joints, then the degree and amount of exercise they undertook are acceptable. However, if the patient finishes exercising and experiences significant pain, swelling, or discomfort in the joints by the evening, this indicates that the exercise was too much, and it was not suitable for them. They must rest and avoid such intense activities, indicating that walking exercises are not suitable. Thus, whether walking exercises are appropriate for patients with arthritis needs a balanced view, especially for patients in the acute phase of osteoarthritis. The mindset of exercising through the pain, regardless of discomfort, is absolutely incorrect. During the acute phase of osteoarthritis, we recommend resting as much as possible. During the remission phase of osteoarthritis, whether and how much walking exercise one should engage in also needs to be determined based on the severity of the patient’s condition and their subjective feelings. It cannot be generalized.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Difference between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have clear differences. Osteoarthritis refers to the rupture, loss, and fissuring of joint cartilage caused by degeneration in old age, which can lead to knee pain, and in severe cases, deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis, however, refers to the destruction of joint cartilage caused by rheumatism, which includes the proliferation of synovium, swelling, migratory pain, morning stiffness, among other symptoms. Diagnosis can be confirmed through laboratory tests, such as the rheumatoid factor test, making it quite easy to distinguish between the two.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a disease caused by degenerative changes in the joints. Symptoms primarily include swelling, pain, fluid accumulation, and restricted movement in the joint areas. In severe cases, it can even lead to joint deformity and dysfunction. Treatment for arthritis is mainly divided into non-surgical and surgical methods. Conservative treatment can be attempted first. Patients with arthritis should rest and avoid vigorous activities. Symptomatic treatment may include anti-inflammatory pain relievers, cartilage nutrition drugs, or intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid. Additionally, hot compress physiotherapy and other methods can be used to alleviate symptoms. When conservative treatment is ineffective, or if there is deformity and dysfunction of the limbs, joint replacement surgery may also be considered.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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How to supplement the diet for osteoarthritis?

For osteoarthritis, it is best to eat more foods rich in protein, such as milk, egg whites, and fish, which have abundant protein and can help alleviate the condition. Furthermore, consume foods high in calcium and take calcium supplements. Osteoarthritis is mostly a chronic bone and joint disease, primarily affecting joint cartilage and leading to degenerative changes. It generally occurs more often in middle-aged and elderly people, and is more common in women than in men. In the early stages, the main lesions occur in the bone cartilage, with the joint cartilage being commonly affected. The cartilage surface may undergo erosion, exposing the underlying bone, and eating foods high in protein can help relieve symptoms. Moreover, collagen fibers can be supplemented by consuming broth made from large bones or pig's feet, which, combined with the use of calcium supplements, can better aid recovery. Regularly drinking milk is also very beneficial.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Osteoarthritis complications

In clinical practice, there are many complications associated with osteoarthritis, mainly reflected in the following aspects. First, the presence of osteoarthritis causes the joints to exhibit obvious symptoms of swelling and pain. Often due to the pain and swelling, patients are reluctant to move, and prolonged inactivity can lead to joint stiffness and significant muscle atrophy in the affected areas. Second, osteoarthritis often leads to the extensive detachment of joint cartilage, making it easy for free bodies to form within the joint. Third, the presence of osteoarthritis may lead to the development of bursitis in patients. Fourth, osteoarthritis can also cause damage to the meniscus.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
1min 38sec home-news-image

Osteoarthritis exercise time

We say that all exercise must have a limit, and it should be within the patient’s tolerance. Walking exercises for osteoarthritis are permissible, but we do not advocate excessive exercise. Instead, it is best to focus primarily on rest. We say that life depends on movement, but joints rely on stillness. What does this mean? We do not advocate excessive activity in the joints. What is considered excessive activity? For example, if an osteoarthritis patient finishes a day of walking exercise and feels no pain, swelling, or discomfort in the joints, then the degree and amount of exercise they undertook are acceptable. However, if the patient finishes exercising and experiences significant pain, swelling, or discomfort in the joints by the evening, this indicates that the exercise was too much, and it was not suitable for them. They must rest and avoid such intense activities, indicating that walking exercises are not suitable. Thus, whether walking exercises are appropriate for patients with arthritis needs a balanced view, especially for patients in the acute phase of osteoarthritis. The mindset of exercising through the pain, regardless of discomfort, is absolutely incorrect. During the acute phase of osteoarthritis, we recommend resting as much as possible. During the remission phase of osteoarthritis, whether and how much walking exercise one should engage in also needs to be determined based on the severity of the patient’s condition and their subjective feelings. It cannot be generalized.