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How physical activity and exercise can help people with osteoarthritis

How can physical activity and exercise help people with osteoarthritis? In this article, Dr Rachel Nelligan describes the benefits.
For people with osteoarthritis, physical activity and regular exercise can improve: Physical wellbeing; Joint pain; Muscle strength; Joint stiffness; Flexibility & joint motion; Ability to do daily activities; Feelings of joint stability; Balance; Quality of sleep; Fitness. Emotional wellbeing: Mood; Fear of movement; Feeling fatigued; Feelings of stress & anxiety. Social wellbeing: Social participation; Ability to care for others.

Also, regular exercise can prevent or reduce the need for pain relieving medication. In fact, scientific research has shown the benefits of exercise on pain are similar to the effects achieved with pain relieving medications like paracetamol and non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – but exercise doesn’t have the risks or side effects of medications!

Scientific evidence has also shown exercise can help people with osteoarthritis avoid or delay the need for joint replacement surgery. In fact, exercise can reduce the need for a hip or joint replacement by 44% – 68%!

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Taking Control of Your Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis

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