Mr Alex Chipperfield, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon says, “As an Orthopaedic Surgeon who specialises in hip and knee replacement, I see plenty of patients in my clinics every week who have wear and tear arthritis (osteoarthritis) affecting their joints.” With years of experience behind him, Mr Chipperfield has put together an article which explains why exercise is beneficial for those suffering from arthritis caused by wear and tear.
This was following an article on the BBC News website about exercise being good for joints with wear-and-tear arthritis.
Alex said: “As an Orthopaedic Surgeon who specialises in hip and knee replacement, I see plenty of patients in my clinics every week who have wear and tear arthritis (osteoarthritis) affecting their joints.”
Treating arthritis with rest is a common misconception
“Patients often tell me that they have been physically active throughout their lives and many believe that their joints have worn out as a result of their sporting past.
“I also hear on a regular basis that people have been advised to rest painful worn-out joints as exercise can make things worse and wear their joints out even further.
“Neither of these statements are true and in fact I spend a lot of time trying to convince people of the huge benefits that regular exercise can provide, most to general health and also to arthritic joints.
Latest guidelines from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
“It was a relief therefore to see last year's recommendations regarding exercise and arthritis published this week by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
“In the guidelines, NICE says that regular exercise can help people stay supple, healthy and slim. It can reduce the need for strong painkillers and avoid unnecessary interventions.
“Osteoarthritis is a common condition affecting one in three people over 45 in England. Symptoms of pain, swelling and stiffness can vary from mild to severely debilitating.
“NICE now advise that physical activity, and non-potent painkillers, be the first line of treatment.
“Regular exercise helps maintain healthy body weight, a key factor in controlling pain. Strong muscles and supple ligaments around a failing joint can help support the joint and alleviate some symptoms. Regular load-bearing exercise helps stimulate and retain the remaining articular cartilage within a joint - the smooth surfaces that allow joints to glide rather than grate and grind.
What are the best exercises for treating arthritis?
“Although any exercise is better than none, the general advice regarding the type of exercise suggests the following:
- Low-impact exercises such as cycling, swimming and walking
- Flexibility exercises such as yoga and Pilates can help maintain strength and mobility
- Any exercise that gets your heart pumping is good for your general cardiovascular health
- Warm-ups and cool-downs are recommended
Advice for running with arthritis
“In my clinics, I see many people who really enjoy running. They enjoy the unique combination of physical fitness and mental well-being that running can bring. Many are devastated when they wrongly assume that the onset of arthritis will mean the end of their running lives. Again, the advice from NICE should reassure people that this will not be the case.
“Running, even with arthritis, can remain a viable option and continue to be hugely beneficial to a person’s general mental and physical well-being along with providing relief for painful joints.
A few modifications for runners are recommended by Versus Arthritis:
How equipment can help
Ensure that you have the correct footwear for running, cushioned and supportive. If you can I would advise contacting your local running store who will be able to analyse your running style and complement this with the best choice of trainers. Also remember that running shoes have a limited lifespan and should be changed every 500 miles or so.
Using a suitable environment
Choose your running surface wisely. A regular, flat cushioned surface (i.e. treadmill) will be less jarring for your joints than a hilly trail run on uneven ground.
Strength exercising
Complement running with other core stability and strength exercises to vary the routine.
Eating nutritious food
Keep well-fuelled and stay hydrated.
“As a person who has found running later in life, I can attest to the physical and mental benefits it provides, and hopefully this advice will reassure those with arthritis that they can continue to exercise, as the improvement for their general health and worn joints will demonstrate.”
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Published on 12 May 2023