A new sports program relieves
arthritis pain within two months
A team of :
researchers has developed an innovative training program that
helps rheumatoid arthritis patients reduce pain and improve muscle strength in
a short period, not exceeding eight weeks.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis
an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue
suffer from painful swelling and stiffness in the joints, making it difficult
for them to exercise regularly. Although there is no cure for the disease, biological
medications such as adalimumab help control symptoms. However, physical
activity remains important to relieve pain and improve joint mobility.
The developed program uses resistance exercises accompanied by wearing a tight
bracelet that restricts blood flow to the limb, which increases muscle effort
and stimulates its growth without the need to lift :
heavy weights, thus reducing the risk of injury or worsening symptoms.
The study :
which was conducted at the University of South Australia and involved about 100
patients, showed that patients who participated in the program sessions twice a
week, each session lasting two hours, saw a noticeable improvement in pain and
muscle strength within less than 8 weeks.
Dr Mark Russell
lecturer in rheumatology at King's College London, said:
This new approach enables arthritis patients to exercise safely. Besides
medications, physical activity is essential to improve their quality of life.
Russell points out that resistance exercises are the best way to prevent muscle loss
but patients' fear of worsening pain leads them to avoid them.
"This training could make a huge difference in the lives of people with arthritis
helping them regain their strength without feeling uncomfortable,"
said Dr. Hunter Bennett, lead researcher on the study.
The program provides an opportunity for patients to build muscle strength
and improve their independence, while reducing the risk of disease-related injury.
Exercise plays an
"important role" in relieving arthritis pain!
There are different types of arthritis, the most common of
hich are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Depending on the type of arthritis you have, it can leave you with painful
- swollen
- and stiff joints
- often leading to mobility problems.
This can make it
difficult to find motivation to exercise and participate in physical activities.
However
one expert told Express that exercise actually has an "important role" in managing your arthritis.
"There are different types of arthritis that we see in patients," explained Dr. Mike
Bourdon, consultant sports, exercise, and MSK medicine at Pure Sports Medicine.
This usually leads to pain in the affected joint and sometimes visible swelling as
well. One of the most common types is osteoporosis
or osteoarthritis.
This can affect one or more joints but is not necessarily associated with the spread
of inflammation.
The most common inflammation can be seen in conditions
such as rheumatoid arthritis, for example.
Exercise
and diet play a very important role in managing arthritis.
However
not all forms of arthritis affect people the same way
and some cases will be more severe than others.
"For conditions like osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis, exercise is very
beneficial," said Dr. Bourdon. Exercise itself reduces inflammation in the body
and is of great value in managing arthritis
in addition to playing a role in preventing arthritis initially.
He advised:
"At first, it may be better to do low- or non-impact exercise such as swimming
cycling or gentle walking". Aerobic exercise and strength training are both
important
if you are overweight, losing weight and strengthening muscles will help.
Studies have actually shown that running reduces the risk of osteoarthritis in
the long term - the myth that running is
bad for you or causes arthritis has been proven wrong.
One study :
- published in the Journal of Orthopedic Physical Therapy and Sports
- found that recreational runners had a lower chance of
- developing knee and hip arthritis than sedentary individuals
and competitive runners.
The researchers concluded that recreational running for many years - up to 15 years
and possibly more - may be safely recommended as a general health
exercise benefiting hip and knee joint health.
"Physiotherapy and other rehabilitation may be needed in individual cases to
help reduce pain and improve function," Dr. Bourdon added.
However, he warned:
"If the pain and swelling are very bad at first
a rest period will be needed before the exercise begins or progresses".
It is best to :
- talk to your GP about
- which types of exercise
- are best for you if you have arthritis.