Arthritis and sport: what do we do? Do we continue or stop?

Because many of our readers are affected by osteoarthritis, and because in people’s minds the sequelae of past traumas due to repeated shocks, falls or injuries make it a predisposing factor, we wanted to check what we should do and how it was possible to prolong the pleasure a little longer without mechanical suffering and other deleterious effects?

By Jean-François Tatard – Photos: depositiphotos.com / DR

Osteoarthritis is a disease that affects many people as they age, yet its etiology is not as precisely known as one might think. Simply put, osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of cartilage, progressively impacting the bone, synovium, and joint capsule. This is accompanied by inflammation, responsible for pain, reduced joint range of motion, edema, and, later, joint deformation. And for unlucky sufferers, knee osteoarthritis, in particular, will impact the individual’s scope of action because they will be stopped by pain. So what to do? Should one change passions? Should one limit sports?

 We tend to believe, wrongly, that osteoarthritis is linked to wear and tear and that physical activity will wear out the joints more. This false idea leads many people to become inactive and prefer rest to movement. In truth, it is inactivity that worsens symptoms and accelerates the progression of osteoarthritis. Not moving and sitting for long periods can lead to weight gain and decreased muscle mass. This will increase pressure on the joints. Physical exercise not only relieves joint pain but also strengthens the muscles around the affected joint, which will reduce pressure on the joint and improve its stability. Exercise increases joint mobility and reduces stiffness.

Cyclist friends, runners, triathletes, and more generally all athletes who read us, rest assured! It is a delusion to believe that a sedentary lifestyle protects against pain. On the contrary, immobility will accelerate the problem. The solution lies more in maintaining joint movement. Indeed, it is movement itself that will maintain flexibility and strength.

Movement is life

It is the function itself that creates the organ. And it is because movement is life that it will be good to maintain adapted physical activity to maintain tendons, muscles, and joints, to optimize mobility.

Maintaining comfort in activities will lead to pain relief. This step is also crucial for encouraging willpower and perseverance. To do this, one must combine mobility exercises and stretches to work on flexibility and range of motion by releasing muscle knots.

This work is effective as long as it is regular. So it’s always the same thing: consistency and discipline are the two virtues to have daily. This session does not necessarily have to be long, but it must be regular and, above all, scheduled with no option for cancellation. Remember: exercise is the best treatment for relieving joint pain and increasing joint mobility.

However, we advise against these exercises during acute phases or when the pain is still too severe. Consider that beyond 3/10 on the pain scale, you should wait.

Biomechanical irritating factors

Relieving pain also involves a meticulous study of repetitive, irritating postures that can maintain tensions responsible for pain. In the case of the knee, it is interesting to ensure that the ankle joint is free, as well as the hip and pelvis.

Physical activity has two other interesting properties for patients suffering from osteoarthritis: it has an analgesic action that has been demonstrated for both aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening. And it facilitates the reduction of excess weight in overweight or obese patients.

In conclusion…

Beyond raw results or the absolute pursuit of performance, sport is also a wonderful field of experimentation and exploration. Osteoarthritis is just one more opportunity to verify the different facets of managing one’s own body and reactive phenomena. Osteoarthritis allows those who suffer from it to have a broader vision of their body. And in the case of this pathology, regaining mobility means daring to advance in one’s discovery and opening up to other dimensions.

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