Tag Archives: arthritis symptoms

Exercise & Arthritis

Posted on by
Reply

Arthritis doesn’t mean that you can’t keep moving – in fact the opposite is true! According to the CDC, regular physical activity can help reduce pain, improve function and mobility as well as enhance the mood and quality of life of arthritis patients. Often arthritis comes with additional chronic conditions, like heart disease, obesity and diabetes, conditions which can also be improved by regular physical activity.

So what types of physical activity help patients with arthritis? It is recommended that individuals participate in moderate intensity, low impact physical activity. This includes a combination of both aerobic exercise and strength training. The most important part of an exercise regimen is to find something that the patient loves to do and will remain consistent with.

Aerobic exercises that are ideal for arthritis patients include vigorous walking, cycling swimming, group fitness classes, dancing and water aerobics. The selection should be based on a few things – the severity of the condition, the interests of the patient and the current physical state of the patient. Diving into an aggressive exercise regimen can be overwhelming and the most important factor is consistency.

In addition to 2-3 hours of aerobic exercise per week, you should also include 2-3 sessions of strength training. By strengthening the muscles around the joints, you are providing relief and stability. Strength training should be based on the individual’s current state and goals – for beginners working with resistance bands is a great option. If you have existing muscle, we recommend calisthenics and a weight training program.

Last but not least – balance exercises are great to ensure the safety of patients, particularly those who are at risk of falling. We recommend gentle yoga, walking backwards, single leg exercises and breathing exercises. These should be performed under the supervision of a therapist, coach or trainer.

Before starting any type of exercise program, patients should receive an evaluation and discuss a plan with their doctor. If you believe you may be suffering from arthritis, contact Dr. Rehman for an evaluation.

Beating the Winter Blues – Managing Your Arthritis in the Colder Months

Posted on by
Reply

While few studies have been conducted on the correlation between the cold and arthritis, a general consensus amongst patients show that most feel that the effects are worse when the temperatures cool down. Because we enjoy listening to our patients we wanted to come up with a few ways for those who do suffer from this challenge to improve their symptoms in the chillier times.

Some people suggest that the drop in barometric pressure chambers result in the increased aches and pains – others that the moisture or lack thereof causes it. Regardless, we found a few ways to deal with the challenges the colder months bring!

  1. Wear Layers – these will keep you warm outside and you’re able to shed them when you get inside. Keeping warm will help regulate your body’s temperature so as not to experience such drastic drops!

  2. Exercise Indoors – you don’t want to become sedentary just because the weather has cooled down. Take your exercise indoors to maintain the healthy blood pumping activity all year round. Whether you enjoy workout DVDs, have a home gym or simply walk the mall, stay moving!

  3. Stay Safe – wear the right shoes, avoid icy surfaces and don’t overdo the shoveling or other winter activities. One of the most important things patients with arthritis can do is prevent further damage.

If you are suffering from arthritis or think you may be developing the condition, contact us today to help you build a comprehensive plan for managing your condition! Got tips for keeping yourself safe in the winter? Share them with us!

What Are The Symptoms of Arthritis?

Posted on by
Reply

Arthritis is the inflammation of one of more joints. This inflammation occurs because of a cartilage breakdown. Healthy cartilage allows our joints to move smoothly and absorb shock when pressure is placed on the joints. When cartilage breaks down, the area where two bones meet is no longer protected – this results in pain, inflammation and stiffness. Ouch!

But why does this breakdown of cartilage occur?

Contrary to common misunderstanding, arthritis is not associated solely with aging. It is, in fact, associated with general wear and tear on joints, but can also be caused by infection, an autoimmune disease, or even a broken bone. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, with osteoarthritis being the most common.

Common symptoms of arthritis include:

  • Pain around the joints (this pain may be in the fingers, wrists, knees, ankles, heels, neck, shoulders, back, or hips)
  • Swelling around the joints
  • Warmth around the joints
  • Redness around the joints
  • Reduced movement of the joints
  • Stiffness (may be worse in the morning than the afternoon)

While the underlying causes of various types of arthritis often cannot be “cured,” professional treatment helps to reduce joint pain and improve function. Treatment can also help to prevent the condition from worsening.

Arthritis as well as many other types of joint conditions can best be treated when diagnosed early, which is why it is so important to receive a professional diagnosis. If you are suffering from any of the above-mentioned symptoms, contact Dr. Rehman at Midwest Hand Therapy for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation.