Arthritis can have a significant impact on a person’s life. Suddenly, everyday activities become more difficult. Hearing on the weather report that it will be a chilly or rainy day can have you reaching for anti-inflammatory medication.
But other than hoping for mild weather and popping pills on a daily basis, is there anything you can do to help alleviate the pain?
Fortunately, the answer is yes. And as it tends to be the common denominator with so many issues, exercise is the answer.
The 5 Best Exercises for Hip Arthritis
In hopes of improving your quality of life, below we have listed the five best exercises to alleviate hip arthritis pain. Just make sure to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program to prevent any risk of injury or complications of other medical conditions.
1. Aerobic Exercises
The key here is to keep it low-impact. Traditional gym equipment that will allow you to do this includes elliptical machines, stationary bikes, or treadmills. Walking is a perfect exercise because of its simplicity. If you are able to walk, then you already have an exercise plan. You can start with moderate exercise, such as 10 to 15 minutes a day, three times a week, and work your way up to five to seven times a week, up to 30 minutes.
2. Aquatic Exercises
Exercising submerged in a pool is another way to ease the stress on your joints. The water provides enough buoyancy to provide some rest from carrying your entire body weight, while at the same time supplying enough resistance to strengthen your muscles. You’ll get extra benefits if you have access to a heated pool since the warm water will help reduce pain. And if you go to group classes, you can make it a social event.
3. Yoga
Because yoga incorporates breathing exercises into stretching techniques, it’s a good alternative for people who, in addition to strengthening their core, wish to decrease stress and anxiety. This comes with the added bonus of a better night’s sleep.
4. Tai Chi
Tai chi is another low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints. Even if you think you look silly in the unusual positions, it’s an excellent way to develop your ability to maintain balance and proper posture. The slow movements help the synovial fluid flow better, which in turn results in your joints moving more smoothly.
5. Strength Training
Strength training is not just for bodybuilders. This type of exercise will increase your bone density and help your limbs become stronger. And you don’t need to lift weights if you don’t want to. There are plenty of exercises you can do using regular household items and your own body weight.
Strength training exercises are important because the stronger your hip muscles become, the better your balance and the greater your likelihood of avoiding slips and falls.
Exercising also helps elevate one’s mood, and keep weight stable, which is yet another way to reduce stress on your joints.
Benefits of Exercising When You Have Arthritis
Granted, the condition itself may pose some limitations on what you can do, but that’s no reason to give up and avoid exercise. Maintaining an active lifestyle will do wonders in preserving a good range of motion. In addition, arthritis patients who exercise will also discover the following benefits:
- Strengthening of hip muscles
- Increase in bone density
- Improvement of balance
- Decreased pain
- Retaining independence
In fact, not exercising results in weaker muscles, which ends up placing even more stress on already painful joints.
Request an Appointment at The Orthopedic Clinic Today
At the Orthopedic Clinic, we want you to live your life in full motion. If arthritis is making your life difficult, let us help you get back to doing the things you love.
Call us at (386) 255-4596 to schedule an appointment.