What Is Arthritis? How Exercise Benefits These Patients? See What Experts Say

From getting out of bed in the morning to walking downstairs or opening a jar, arthritis can bring excruciating pain with every movement, often leaving individuals feeling trapped in their own bodies.

Role of exercise in arthritis (Representational Image)

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Arthritis is not just a condition that causes discomfort, it can be truly debilitating for those who experience its symptoms. The chronic pain and stiffness that accompany arthritis can severely limit a person's ability to perform everyday tasks, making even the simplest actions challenging. From getting out of bed in the morning to walking downstairs or opening a jar, arthritis can bring excruciating pain with every movement, often leaving individuals feeling trapped in their own bodies. However, what many people fail to realize is that arthritis goes beyond physical limitations.

 

What Is Arthritis?

 

According to Dr. Himanshu Gupta, who is an MS. MCh Orth Specialized in Joint Replacement, Arthroscopy, and Sports Injury from AmiCare Hospital, "Arthritis, although seems like a single disease, it is a camouflage of more than 100 types and related conditions affecting joints and connective tissues. It encompasses a spectrum of diseases, each with its own unique symptoms and causes. From degenerative osteoarthritis, characterized by cartilage breakdown, to inflammatory ones like rheumatoid arthritis, to metabolic arthritis caysed by uric acid accumulation, the complexity of arthritis is evident."

 

"Childhood arthritis, chronic connective tissue diseases, infectious arthritis, and septic arthritis further demonstrate its versatility. It's a debilitating and leading cause of disability in the present scenario," he added.

 

Symptoms And Treatment Of Arthritis:

 

Dr. Himanshu Gupta said, "While symptoms may vary, including swelling, pain, stiffness, and restricted joint movement, the impact on daily life can be profound."

 

"The best approach to managing arthritis involves different approaches from conservative to surgical ones. The spectrum varies from medications like analgesics  to lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and exercise. Physical therapy also plays a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by this condition."

Importance Of Regular Exercise For Arthritis Patients:

Dr Pramod Bhor, who is the Director of Orthopedics and Robotic Joint Replacement Surgeon, at Fortis Hospital, Vashi said, "It is a known fact that regular exercise not only helps to improve joint function but also relieves stiffness and reduces pain and fatigue. You can do any activities of your choice. The goal should be to ensure joint mobility and flexibility. To increase your range of motion, attempt to move a joint as far as it can go and then strive to extend it a little further. These exercises can be performed at any time as long as you do them safely."

"Engaging in exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling enhances the strength of your heart and lungs, leading to improved endurance and overall well-being. Opt for low-impact activities that don't strain your joints, while avoiding high-impact exercises such as jogging. If you are experiencing symptoms such as joint pain then wait until they subside before engaging in endurance workouts. Yoga is an effective practice for enhancing stability," he added.

Ayurvedic Remedies To Treat Arthritis:

While it is best to stick with your doctor-approved treatment plan for arthritis, alternative healing systems like Ayurveda can supplement the main therapy by providing relief from chronic pain associated with this condition.

Dr Purnima Siddhanta, who is an Ayurveda Expert, at RoundGlass Living App laid down the following Ayurvedic remedies to treat arthrits:

Medicines – herbal concoctions

Ayurvedic medicines such as Shallaki guggul and Yograj guggul are beneficial in relieving pain, swelling, stiffness, crepitus (popping, clicking or crackling sound in a joint) and improving joint mobility and, thus, are often recommended to patients with advanced disease. Herbs such as Bala, Panchmoola churna, Dashmoola, Trikatu are extremely beneficial during the treatment, especially if the patient is weak. Oils such as Rasna (Rasnadi tailam), Bala (Bala tailam) or Masha (Mahamashadi tailam) can be applied to the affected joints for the purpose of pain relief and improved movement.

Food – soft diet, herbal infusions

Along with herbs, food plays a significant role in managing arthritis. Excessive consumption of foods that are oily, salty, pungent, hot, or dry can obstruct digestion and cause body pains. As per Ayurvedic principles, a patient suffering from arthritis should adopt a soft diet which includes barley, cooked vegetables, peeled or soft fruit, soups, etc.

Consuming an herbal infusion of carrom seeds, fennel seeds or fenugreek seeds can be useful in reducing inflammation while teas brewed with echinacea, and chamomile flowers have been shown to improve digestion and circulation. The inclusion of haridra (turmeric), dates, dried grapes, vijaysar powder, and triphala powder in your daily diet can help rev up the metabolism and alleviate arthritis symptoms like stiffness and swelling.

Therapies

There are also a few therapies that have proven to be highly effective in arthritis. A stiff limb or joint because of arthritis can be brought back to health with the help of oleation and fomentation therapy. Anulomana treatment or elimination therapy can bring back the vitiated dosha to its original place and enhance overall health.

"For best outcomes, combine all the above with regular physical activity and wellbeing practices such as meditation and mindfulness," she added.