Not exercising can make arthritis worse - what doctors say

However, osteoarthritis, the most common joint disease in the world, may not be treated as it should be. New research shows: the main remedy for the disease is not pills or surgery, but physical activity.

The Conversation reports that in many countries, including Ireland, the UK, Norway and the US, less than half of patients with osteoarthritis receive a referral for physical therapy. More than 60 per cent receive treatments not recommended by clinical protocols, and approximately 40 per cent are sent to a surgeon, bypassing non-invasive therapy options.

The cartilage covering the joints has no blood supply of its own and is "fed" by movement. When walking and other stresses occur, they contract, pushing out old fluid and drawing in fresh, nutrient-rich fluid. Each movement promotes joint repair.

Osteoarthritis is not just a "wear and tear" of cartilage, as previously thought. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the entire joint, including bones, ligaments, muscles and even nerves. And it is exercise that can engage all of these components, from strengthening the muscles to normalising the nervous system.

What exercises help

One effective method is the GLA:D (Good Life with osteoarthritis in Denmark) programme, which is based on neuromuscular training. It includes exercises for balance, strength and quality of movement and is supervised by specialists. The results show that 12 months after the programme, patients continue to experience a reduction in pain, improved mobility and quality of life.

Physical activity is recognised as effective not only for arthritis. It helps more than 26 chronic diseases. In the case of osteoarthritis, exercise reduces inflammation, normalises metabolism and can even influence gene expression.

Special attention is also paid to weight control. Obesity is one of the main risk factors: not only because of the increased load on the joints, but also because of inflammatory processes that accelerate the destruction of cartilage. Regular physical activity helps to cope with this as well.

Today there are no drugs that can stop the development of osteoarthritis. Endoprosthetic joint replacement is a serious operation that is not suitable for everyone. Although it can improve quality of life, doctors emphasise that exercise should be used at all stages of the disease - before and after surgery.