The various forms of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout affect a large proportion of people throughout the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that over 50 million American adults suffer from arthritis. And since May happens to be Arthritis Awareness Month, we are going to provide you with some information pertaining to this health condition along with ways that chiropractic therapy can help treat its associated symptoms.
Defining Arthritis
Arthritis is a general term for conditions that affect the joints or tissues around the joint. There are more than 100 types of arthritis.
Most types of arthritis cause pain and stiffness in and around the affected joint or joints. Some types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, also affect the immune system and some internal organs of the body.
–CDC
Managing Arthritis With Exercise
There are a variety of physical activities that many people with arthritis can safely participate in. And when practiced regularly, these exercises can actually help alleviate the pain and stiffness caused by arthritis. Some arthritis-friendly exercises include:
- Low-impact aerobic activities
- Walking and brisk walking
- Biking
- Swimming
- Gardening
- Water aerobics
- Muscle-strengthening exercises
- Weightlifting
- Yoga
- Resistance band workouts
- Flexibility and balance exercises
- Stretching
- Balancing on one foot
- Tai chi
What Should I Do if I Have Pain When I Exercise?
It’s normal to have some pain, stiffness, and swelling after starting a new physical activity program. It may take 6 to 8 weeks for your joints to get used to your new activity level, but sticking with your activity program will result in long-term pain relief.Here are some ways to manage your pain while your joints adjust to your new activity level.
Tips for managing your pain during and after exercise
- Until your pain improves, modify your physical activity program by exercising less frequently (days per week), for shorter periods of time (amount of time each session), or with less intensity.
- Try a different type of exercise to reduce pressure on your joints—for example, switch from walking to water aerobics.
- Do proper warm-up and cool-down before and after exercise.
- Exercise at a comfortable pace—you should be able to carry on a conversation while exercising.
- Make sure you have good fitting, comfortable shoes.
–CDC
Enhanced Physical Support
As mentioned by the CDC, “good fitting, comfortable shoes” can effectively help manage and potentially prevent arthritic pain. At Merckling Family Chiropractic, we offer custom orthotics by Foot Levelers. After performing a comprehensive 3D foot scan, we are able to provide you with a pair of stabilizing orthotics, custom made to benefit your unique foot structure.
Chiropractic Therapy and Arthritis
Many chiropractic treatment methods have been proven to help relieve arthritic pain. Some of the most effective chiropractic techniques include:
