It is often imagined that suffering from arthritis, in whatever form it manifests itself, requires a cessation of physical activity in order to rest the poor aching joints.

But, contrary to popular belief, sport is far from being an aggravating factor in arthritis!

Exercise is not only highly recommended, it is even essential to avoid complications. It is therefore important to keep moving, especially when you have this type of disease, to maintain your independence and mobility.
Physical activity is more than beneficial for people with arthritis. It acts directly on several important aspects.

If immobility, often considered as the best for the affected subjects, can aggravate the pain linked to arthritis by causing additional joint stiffness, a well-chosen sport, practiced regularly and in moderation, can preserve the mobility of the joints. In addition, an increase in muscle mass also has a positive effect on arthritis: strong muscles relieve the pressure on the joints.
It is also well known that sport helps maintain a correct and stable weight. Since being overweight is one of the main factors of arthritis, it is obvious that regaining or maintaining a healthy weight is extremely important to prevent and reduce arthritis and its inconveniences.

During physical activity, it is not only the muscles that will relieve the symptoms.

The release of endorphins through exercise helps to manage arthritis pain and discomfort. Be careful, however, not to try to overdo it under the effect of this natural morphine. It is essential to listen to your body, to know and accept its limits, to avoid any injury that would add a little more inconvenience in your daily life.

Many sports are available to people with arthritis, but although there are no prohibitions, many others should be avoided for their own well-being. This is particularly true of certain disciplines that involve regular impact and promote wear and tear on the joints, such as jogging, jumping rope or tennis, for example.

Obviously, each case of arthritis being personal, there is nothing to prevent you from jogging if you do not have knee pain. Here again, the capabilities of each individual must be taken into account to make the right choice. All mild endurance sports can be practiced in a beneficial way. Swimming, walking or cycling are valuable allies. Gentle physical activities, such as yoga, Tai Chi or Pilates, are also very suitable, as they promote stretching and flexibility.

One person with arthritis may feel able to exercise three times a week, while another may not. Each case being unique to the subject, listening to the body is essential. If pain is experienced during or after the chosen activity, the adaptation of the intensity or the activity itself should be reviewed. In any case, it is necessary to avoid sport in case of acute crisis.