Stiff knees, sore hips, and the constant ache from chronic joint pain are often resigned to being just a part of aging.
However, even though osteoarthritis is the most prevalent joint disease globally, experts point out that our approaches to its treatment and prevention are critically misaligned with the available evidence.
Surprisingly, the best remedy isn’t found in medications or surgical procedures – it’s actually movement. Yet, in various countries and healthcare systems, many patients aren’t being directed towards what is the one proven therapy that can truly safeguard their joints and alleviate their discomfort: exercise.
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Exercise stands out as one of the most effective strategies for managing chronic, debilitating joint conditions like osteoarthritis. Despite this, the reality is that very few patients actually receive it.
Studies in healthcare systems in Ireland, the UK, Norway, and the United States reveal that fewer than half of those with osteoarthritis are referred to exercise programs or physiotherapy by their primary care doctors.
Over 60 percent end up with treatments that aren’t even recommended by guidelines, while around 40 percent are referred to surgical options before trying non-surgical methods.
To grasp why these statistics are concerning, it’s important to recognize the role of exercise in joint health. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, affects more than 595 million people globally.
A recent study published in The Lancet suggests this number might reach close to a billion by 2050. Factors like increased life expectancy, sedentary behaviors, and rising obesity rates contribute to this trend.
For those who regularly exercise, there’s a physical and biological advantage that helps stave off the condition and diminish its severe impacts.
The cartilage that cushions our bones lacks its own blood supply; it depends heavily on movement.
When we engage in activities, like walking, it compresses the cartilage, allowing nutrients and lubricants to circulate and nourish the joint.
This shifts the old notion of osteoarthritis being merely “wear and tear” away from our understanding. Joints aren’t just tires that wear down over time.
Instead, osteoarthritis can be seen as a gradual process of wear and repair, heavily reliant on consistent movement and exercise for healing and overall joint health.
A holistic view of a joint disease
Osteoarthritis is increasingly recognized as a whole-joint disease, impacting everything from joint fluid and underlying bone to ligaments, surrounding muscles, and even the nerves that facilitate movement.
Exercise programs specifically target these factors. Muscle weakness, a common early indicator of osteoarthritis, can be effectively addressed through resistance training. Strong evidence indicates that muscle weakness increases the likelihood of both developing and progressing the disease.
Neuromuscular exercise programs, like GLA:D® (Good Life with osteoArthritis: Denmark), focus on maintaining movement quality, balance, and strength in supervised group sessions led by physiotherapists. These methods enhance joint stability and rebuild patients’ confidence.
Significant benefits in pain relief, joint function, and overall quality of life have been observed lasting for up to a year after program completion.
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Exercise is beneficial for the entire body, with well-documented positive effects on over 26 chronic diseases. In the case of osteoarthritis, it not only strengthens cartilage and muscles but also addresses the inflammation and metabolic changes that drive the condition.
Obesity is a significant risk factor for osteoarthritis, not just because of the added strain on joints. High inflammatory markers in the bloodstream and joint tissues can deteriorate cartilage and hasten disease progression.
For those with osteoarthritis, maintaining regular physical activity can mitigate these effects on a molecular level, reducing inflammation, limiting cellular damage, and even impacting gene expressions.
Prioritizing exercise before surgery
At present, no medications can alter the course of osteoarthritis. While joint replacement surgeries can significantly enhance lives for some individuals, they also carry risks and don’t guarantee success for all.
This means that exercise should be the first line of treatment, continuing throughout every phase of the disease. It has far fewer side effects and offers many additional health advantages.
Osteoarthritis isn’t merely about “worn-out” joints; it’s influenced by various factors like muscle strength, inflammation, metabolic processes, and lifestyle choices.
Adopting a routine of targeted exercise simultaneously addresses several of these concerns, enhancing cartilage protection, joint strength, and overall well-being. Before moving towards surgical interventions, it remains vital to recognize movement as one of our most potent treatment tools.
