Exercise eases pain of arthritis

Exercise should be more strongly promoted as a first line treatment for arthritis, say rheumatologists.

There is now clear evidence that, exercise can reduce the symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis and efforts should focus on ensuring it is routinely prescribed and adhered to.

The strongest evidence exists for using both strengthening and aerobic exercise to reduce pain and improve function, particularly in the knee, they said.
There is also good evidence that improved muscle strength could reduce the progression of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee.

Consultant rheumatologist said exercise was a key component in managing patients with osteoarthritis and we really should be pushing this much more strongly. It definitely reduces pain. You can see people build up the muscles and have their pain reduce because it is changing the loading of the knee. We recommend their patients start slowly and build up their aerobic exercise with walking, stationary cycling or water aerobics, combined with some strengthening exercises. If they started to develop pain, shall refer to a physiotherapist or rheumatologist to investigate.