WEB EXTRA

Arthritis and the Benefits of Exercise
Health Minute: Q&A with Dr. Harry Oken

Individuals suffering from arthritis often imagine that exercise will further damage their joints; however, exercise is actually a vital tool in managing this disease.  Dr. Harry Oken explains the benefits of exercise for arthritics and the importance of incorporating an exercise regime into your daily schedule.

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Q. Dear Dr. Oken,
• What types of exercise are good for those with arthritis?
• Is the swimming pool okay for people with chronic lung disease?
— LaShawn C.

A: I like to say that joints inflicted with arthritis are like rusty gates: you have to “open” the gates often to keep them from squeaking. Thus, exercise is a vital element in controlling your arthritis.  It reduces joint pain and stiffness, builds strong muscles – particularly around joints – and increases flexibility.  There are numerous exercise programs available to people who suffer from arthritis; however, your age, type of arthritis and severity of the disease impact the specific routine you should follow. Before you begin any exercise program, you should always consult your physician to see what exercises are most appropriate for you, but basic regimens can include walking, swimming and golf. 

Arthritis sufferers should focus on three types of exercises: flexibility, strengthening and aerobics.  Flexibility activities are designed to stretch your muscles and can, ultimately, help reduce your risk of joint injuries and increase your range-of-motion. Pilates and yoga are excellent examples of this. Strengthening exercises allow you to better absorb shock and protect your joints from injury.  A simple example of this activity is weightlifting.  Aerobic, or cardiovascular, exercise is any physical activity that involves (and improves) your body’s oxygen consumption.  This includes walking and swimming.  Both activities help to maintain joint flexibility and strengthen your bones.  Swimming is especially good for arthritis sufferers because it soothes pain while at the same time helps to build muscle strength.  Columbia is the perfect place for walking and swimming.  Enjoy CA’s 93.5 miles of pathways or relax in one of the hot water therapy pools.  Visit www.ColumbiaAssociation.org and click on “Get Fit” to find fitness programs and activities that are right for you!

Golf is another great activity for people with arthritis because it incorporates all three exercise types. Your golf swing enhances your range-of-motion and your strength.  Furthermore, walking the eighteen holes allows the muscles in your body to continuously move, thus promoting cardiovascular exercise.  Talk to a golf pro about how to adjust your golf accessories (grips, shoes, clubs, etc.) to fit your specific needs.  CA has many qualified golf pros at Fairway Hills Golf Club (410-730-1112) and Hobbit’s Glen Golf Club (410-730-5980.)

To answer your second question, swimming is one of the best workouts for your body.  It is a gentle way to exercise joints and muscles and relieves arthritis pain and stiffness. 

It is usually okay for people with chronic lung disease, such as asthma, to swim.  High levels of chlorine more often found in indoor pools can affect your respiratory system, so I recommend that you proceed with caution.  Different people have different sensitivities.  Slowly begin to adapt your body to chlorine.  This way, your body – and your lungs – will be able to acclimate to the chemical.  In general, swimming is an excellent form of fitness; however, please consult with your physician to see if and what types of water exercises are appropriate for you. 

This column is intended to provide only general information that may be of interest to the public and is not intended to provide and should not be relied on for specific medical advice. Any questions regarding your personal health and medical issues should be directed to your physician.

About Dr. Harry Oken

Oken is board certified in internal medicine and is a fellow of American College of Physicians. He served as chairman of medicine at Howard County General Hospital from 1994-2008.

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