Exercise Does Not Harm Joints Study Shows

Losing weight has been a priority in the United States for many years as children and adults weigh in heavier than in other countries. Exercise is a very important part of weight loss and it is important if an individual wants to live a healthier lifestyle.

Many people worry that if they workout too much they will damage their joints, and it could lead to arthritis. However, a recent study says that a healthy joint will benefit from exercise and it will not damage them.

Normal Joints and Exercise
According to a study by German and American doctors that was published in the Journal of Anatomy, if a person has healthy joints they are not at risk of developing arthritis, if they exercise. In fact, it can only enhance them.

According to Dr. David Hunter, the lead researcher in the study the only people that are at risk of arthritis are those who already have an injury. If they had problems with joints, the individual already had an injury that they may not have been aware of as they continued to exercise. This is shedding light on the fact that intense low impact exercise will not damage already healthy joints.

The study also showed that the exercise was even more important to those with healthy joints because it helped them physically and mentally.  The doctors noted that obesity is the cause of most osteoarthritis and that people should lose weight in order to take the stress off their joints.

Arthritis and Exercise: Is It Safe?
People wonder whether they should exercise if they already have arthritis and doctors say “yes.” The point is that joints are supposed to move, and if you do not move them, they have a tendency to get stiff. In the case of arthritis joints can actually be helped by exercise instead of hindered.

One of the major reasons to exercise joints is to maintain flexibility. An individual can also decrease pain increase strength and lower fatigue, with exercise. Doctors have always said that osteoarthritis benefits from some exercise, and now it is the same for any type of arthritis.

Regular exercise also makes the tendons and the muscles around the joints become stronger. Exercise on a regular basis will also increase the blood flow to the cartilage in the knees and make them stronger.

Won’t Exercise Make The Joints Hurt More?
This is what many people think, but doctors say this just makes them feel better. Muscles become weaker without exercise and stronger with it. This means that if you can create some low impact exercise your body will respond to it better. Also, it is important to set realistic expectations when you are exercising. A mild form of exercise that includes aerobic activity and strength training can be all that you need.

As you work with your joints it is a good idea to talk to your doctor and get help in understanding your limitations if you already have joint injuries. Start with simple exercise like using an exercise ball first and move forward as you can.