Arthritis: What exactly is it? How do I manage it?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2019-2021 roughly 21.2% (roughly 53.2 million) of U.S adults reported having diagnosed arthritis.

Arthritis refers to inflammation and gradual degradation of the joints, which can damage cartilage, soft tissue, and even bone. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis which is related to joint wear and tear and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissue.

While arthritis isn’t reversible, there are effective ways to manage pain and maintain function — and one of the most powerful tools is regular exercise (no bias here!).The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) emphasizes that “consistent engagement in exercise is strongly recommended over no exercise.” — 2022 ACR Guideline for Exercise, Rehabilitation, Diet, and Additional Integrative Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

From a physiological standpoint, consistent exercise helps by:

• Supporting joint structures: Stronger muscles take pressure off painful joints.

• Improving lubrication: Movement increases synovial fluid flow, nourishing cartilage and reducing stiffness.

• Decreasing inflammation: Exercise has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers in arthritis and may slow cartilage degeneration.

• Improving pain tolerance: Exercise activates the body’s natural pain-relieving pathways (endorphins and central pain modulation).

Research supporting these effects includes findings from the Mayo Clinic, Frontiers in Physiology (2021), and the American College of Rheumatology Guidelines (2022).

Movement truly is medicine. With the right plan and guidance, you can take control of your arthritis and start feeling like your normal self every day. Contact our team to learn how we can help and teach you how to better manage your arthritis. We keep bodies in motion!

References:

Mayo Clinic. (2023). Arthritis: How Exercise Helps. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20047971

• Frontiers in Physiology. (2021). Exercise as a Complementary Therapy for Osteoarthritis. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2021.794062/full

• National Library of Medicine. (2023). Exercise Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Mechanisms and Benefits. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9852831/

• American College of Rheumatology (ACR). (2022). Guideline for Exercise, Rehabilitation, and Diet in Rheumatoid Arthritis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37227116/