Regular Exercise Reduces the Pain of Osteoarthritis

Source: Tufts University
February 25, 2002 (Reviewed: February 23, 2004)

Introduction

One of the cornerstones of treatment for osteoarthritis is exercise. Physical activity improves muscle strength, increases range of motion, and flexibility of the joints. For the more than 20 million people with pain caused by osteoarthritis, a recent study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases reveals that sustained physical activity may be the key to reducing pain and disability.

Exercise Rx

Researchers in the Netherlands conducted a study that included more than 200 men and women with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee to determine if the benefits associated with a structured exercise program had any lasting pain-reducing effects.

Participants were randomly assigned to either an exercise or a control group. The intervention included individual exercise treatment sessions up to 3 times per week for 12 weeks and instructions for doing exercises at home. The control group received patient education materials about osteoarthritis treatment that did not mention exercise. Both groups received pain medications prescribed by their doctor as needed.

The pain goes away but then returns

At the end of the 12 weeks, the participants in the exercise group reported having less pain during the past week than those in the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups in disability or pain medication use. Three months later, the exercise group reported slightly less pain than the controls. However, six months after the exercise intervention ended, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of pain.

Tips on becoming a lifelong exerciser

The main message of this study is that exercise decreases osteoarthritis pain as long as the exercise is sustained over time. Once a regular routine ends, the discomfort slowly begins to return. The key is to make a lifelong commitment to being physically active. Here are some strategies to help begin, and then maintain, a regular exercise program:

• Try different activities until you find one that is enjoyable. This increases the odds that you will continue to participate. Try swimming, walking, or an aerobics class.
• Find an exercise partner. Having a relative or friend that is expecting you for an exercise session makes it much more difficult to skip it.
• Wake up half an hour earlier in the morning to exercise. Getting it out of the way first thing in the day eliminates the chance that other obligations take precedence.
• Spice up your workouts by listening to music or books on tape.

Source

• Effectiveness of exercise in patients with osteoarthritis of hip or knee: nine months' follow up. ME. van Baar, J. Dekker, RAB. Oostendorp,  et al., Ann Rheum Dis., 2001, vol. 60, pp. 1123--1130

Related Links
How To Start Exercising
Physical Activity: Antidote To Aging
It's Never Too Late To Get Moving
Long Term Benefits of Glucosamine Sulfate Treatment in Osteoarthritis
Weight Loss and Exercise can help treat Sore Knees
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