Carlos Solis
Stiffness in the joints and unbearable pain in the hips and knees are often seen as an inevitable part of aging. In reality, both aging and osteoarthritis—the most common joint disease—can be somewhat delayed. However, rushing into medication or surgery is not the answer.
Yet, doctors most frequently recommend those methods, often overlooking accessible, effective exercises that protect joints and ease pain. Physiotherapist Claude Tumi, a researcher at the University of Limerick in Ireland, emphasized this.
What are the benefits of exercise for joint health?
Over 595 million people worldwide suffer from osteoarthritis. A global study published in The Lancet estimates that number could approach one billion by 2050. The trend is accelerating, driven by longer lifespans, sedentary lifestyles, and rising rates of overweight and obesity.
Meanwhile, exercise is one of the most effective treatments for chronic joint diseases like osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, few patients begin their treatment with physical activity, ScienceAlert reports.
Studies of healthcare systems in the UK, Norway, and the US show a similar pattern: fewer than half of osteoarthritis patients receive a referral for physical therapy from their doctors.
More than 60 percent of patients are prescribed medication, while about 40 percent see a surgeon before exploring all non-surgical options, such as exercise.
People who engage in regular physical activity reduce their risk of developing joint diseases and avoid the worst consequences of those conditions. How does this happen?
The cartilage that cushions our joints is a tough protective layer that has no blood supply of its own. It relies on movement. When you walk or load a joint, the cartilage compresses like a sponge, squeezing out fluid and then drawing in fresh nutrients. Each step helps nutrients and natural lubricants circulate, keeping joints healthy.
This is why the old idea of osteoarthritis as mere wear and tear is misleading, Claude Tumi noted. Joints aren’t like car tires that simply wear out over time.
Modern medicine suggests viewing osteoarthritis as a long process of wear and repair, where regular movement and exercise are crucial.
With consistent performance of a specialized exercise regimen, significant reductions in pain, improved joint function, and better quality of life can be seen within a year.
Moreover, exercise benefits the whole body: its positive effects have been shown across roughly 26 chronic diseases. For osteoarthritis patients, exercise not only helps strengthen cartilage and muscles but also fights inflammation, metabolic changes, and hormonal shifts that drive disease progression.
Exercise First, Surgery Later
At present, no medications can meaningfully change the course of osteoarthritis. Joint replacement is major surgery and is not always successful.
Therefore, it is essential to first explore the effectiveness of non-surgical treatments like exercise and physical therapy. These options have far fewer side effects and offer numerous additional health benefits, Claude Tumi pointed out.
Regular, targeted exercises address many aspects of the disease at once: they help protect cartilage, strengthen the entire joint, and improve overall health. So don’t rush into strong medications or surgery.
Photo: pexels.com
