How should I exercise if I have arthritis?

Dr. Nguyen Quang Huy (Head of General Surgery Department, Hospital 115, Ho Chi Minh City) said that people with arthritis still need to exercise regularly to maintain flexible joint movement, helping muscles and joints become stronger. However, people who exercise should note the following:

Swimming is very good for people with arthritis. Photo: Body Care

“Swimming is the best exercise for people with arthritis because it puts the least amount of stress on the joints. Additionally, exercises with graceful movements such as dancing help maintain normal joint movement, reduce stiffness, and improve flexibility. Stretching exercises such as weightlifting help maintain or strengthen muscles, which support and protect inflamed joints. Aerobics or endurance exercises such as cycling can help reduce joint swelling, improve cardiovascular health, help with weight loss, and improve overall body function.

Consult your doctor to choose the most suitable exercise that can support the treatment process. Any exercise that does not cause pain or worsen swelling can be tried to reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Exercise with the right posture. Daily activities such as lifting heavy objects, walking, running... in the wrong posture will compress and tear the joint socket, straining the joints and causing arthritis.

When you have joint pain, hot and cold compresses can help relieve the pain. Hot compresses can reduce swelling, while cold compresses numb the area. Taking a hot shower can also help loosen tight muscles and ease the pain.

Maintain a normal weight. Being overweight puts extra stress on your joints, increasing your risk of knee, hip, and back pain.

Maintain a balanced diet. One cause of arthritis, especially arthritis, is uric acid. Avoid foods rich in purines such as beer, alcoholic beverages, sardines, herring, caviar, yeast, meat, legumes, broth, mushrooms, asparagus, broccoli... which cause uric acid accumulation. You should also use tofu instead of meat. Black grapes and some fatty acids found in fish such as salmon oil, olive oil or nuts contain chemicals that reduce uric acid levels and reduce inflammation...

Drinking plenty of water or fluids will help dissolve uric acid in the blood, thereby preventing the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints.”

According to TTO