Moving Is the Best Medicine...
A cure for arthritis is yet to be discovered but there is something very simple that you can do to keep your arthritis in check: Exercise.
Exercising painful, swollen joints to make them healthier and less irritated may sound counterintuitive but it genuinely is the best way that you can manage your arthritis.
Exercise has many physical benefits:
- Improved muscle strength means less joint pressure
- Increased mobility
- Chemicals released in the brain during exercise reduce pain
- Lowers inflammation without the side effects associated with medication.
- Lowers blood pressure
- Decreases risk of stroke
- Helps to keep excess weight at bay
- Gives the brain a boost too.
One of the long-standing myths about arthritis is that staying in bed and not moving your joints will prevent inflammation. Although this sounds logical, in reality it couldn't be further from the truth. The truth is that exercise on a regular basis, like going for a walk every day, can make a huge difference to how you live with arthritis as well as to your overall quality of life.