Exercise and Bone and Joint Conditions
As we get older, our bodies change. Muscle size and strength decrease primarily due to inactivity. Bone mass and density decrease, increasing the susceptibility to fractures. Tendons and ligaments become less elastic, making it easy to get overuse injuries. Joint inflammation and cartilage degeneration often occur due to arthritis.
Thirty minutes of physical activity a day can help individuals feel good, and prevent some medical conditions. Even individuals with chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis can benefit from a balanced fitness program.
Here are some exercise tips developed by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons for individuals with osteoarthritis, low back pain, osteoporosis or total joint replacement.
Osteoarthritis
More than 42 million Americans have some form of arthritis. There are two major types of arthritis-osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Often, weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip and spine are involved in osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects joints in the hands, wrist, feet and ankles.
Exercise is very important for individuals with arthritis. Exercise helps keep the joints flexible, the muscles around the joints strong, bone and cartilage tissue strong and healthy; and reduces pain.
Individuals with osteoarthritis should:
- engage in a balanced fitness program that includes walking, swimming, cycling and stretching exercises
- avoid exercises that place excessive stress on the joints like aerobic workouts, running or competitive sports activities
Low Back Pain
Almost 14 million persons a year see a physician because of back pain. Most often, back pain is caused by excessive strain of the back muscles and ligaments. Lifting improperly or a sudden twisting movement can result in low back pain. Other acquired conditions like infections or arthritis also can cause pain.
Exercise is a common treatment for people experiencing low back pain. Orthopedic surgeons usually prescribe exercises that increase muscle strength to better support the spine as well as improve flexibility and function.
Individuals with low back pain should:
- perform daily stretching exercises
- engage in a more active exercise program once the initial pain subsides that includes walking, swimming, bicycling and strength training with light weights
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a major health problem affecting 28 million Americans, and contributing to an estimated 1.5 million bone fractures each year.
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones weaken and lose density, becoming thin, brittle and susceptible to fractures. It is caused by the natural aging process because as people get older, they lose bone mass.
Exercise can help slow the progress of osteoporosis and build strong bone. Orthopedic surgeons believe that a program of moderate, regular exercise (three to four times a week) is effective in the prevention and management of osteoporosis.
To prevent osteoporosis, individuals should:
- participate in weight-bearing exercises like walking, hiking, stair climbing, dancing, racquet sports and treadmill exercises
- engage in strength training exercises with light weights
Total joint replacement
More than 442,000 total joint replacement procedures are performed each year by orthopedic surgeons in the U.S. The most frequent reason for performing a total joint replacement is to relieve the pain and disability caused by severe arthritis.
Most total joint replacements involve hip and knee joints, however, total joint replacement also can be performed on joints in the ankle, shoulder, fingers and elbow.
Individuals with a total joint replacement still can lead active lifestyles. Exercise not only is important in the recovery process, but also in the years following the surgery. A proper exercise program can help restore mobility and strength in the joint.
Individuals with a total joint replacement should:
- avoid activities that place repeated stress on the replacement such as running, jogging or skiing
- engage in activities that do not place excessive stress on the replacement like swimming, bicycling, golf and doubles tennis
- seek medical advice before beginning any physical activity because some restrictions may be recommended.
National Institute of Health
Key Recommendations from the Expert Panel on the Identification, Evaluation, and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults Professional Education Materials Patient and Public Education Materials National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute National Institutes of Health
Date Published: 2002-12-04
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