•Fact•
"Excess weight puts excess stress on the joints. If you're overweight,for every pound you lose, you'll subtract four pounds from the load your knees have to support."
Patience White M.D. Arthritis Foundations, Chief Public Health Officer
Articles
STRONG MUSCLES TAKE THE STRESS OFF JOINTS
Elizabeth Quinn, Sports Medicine
Research published in the Journal of Rheumatology suggests that relief from joint pain is linked to certain simple strength training routines.
In one study, individuals with arthritis engaged in a four month-long exercise program consisting of simple weight bearing exercises, such as squats and leg extensions. The exercisers experienced a 43 percent reduction in pain and a 44 percent improvement in physical functioning. The exercisers were able to walk, climb stairs, sit, and stand more easily than their non-exercising counterparts.
The authors comment that exercise is effective because muscles act as shock absorbers for the joints: they are able to spare a person's joints the impact of their body weight during activity such as walking. The better shape the muscles are in, the better they are able to absorb this shock.
According to the findings, individuals who are self-motivated ( or workout with a trainer) may be able to manage their arthritis pain with exercise and reduce the pain medication they need. Even though pills help pain and stiffness,they don't rebuild muscles or protect the joints like exercise can.
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