Can Exercise Cause Arthritis?
One
of the biggest misconceptions regarding arthritis is the fact that exercise, in
particular running exercise, may cause osteoarthritis. A study published by
Arthritis Research & Therapy analyzed
the impact of aerobic exercise in musculoskeletal pain in older adults: A 14
year study was conducted on runners of 50 years of age who averaged 26 miles
running per week matched against a control group of runners who averaged 2
miles per week. The authors noted “If running
creates damage through accumulated trauma," they wrote, "then runners
with about ten-fold the exposure to such trauma should have increased pain over
time."
However the study study’s major conclusion: The runners who
averaged 26 miles per week experienced 25% less musculoskeletal pain compared
to the control group.
Another study focused on runners knees compared 284 avid runners
against 156 nonrunners found a little evidence that exercise causes arthritis.
After 21 year follow up, the runners experienced significantly less musculoskeletal
pain compared to the nonrunners.
The fact is as we age we all feel some of the effects osteoarthritis,
the challenge is to know how do we minimize this effects and how do we prevent
them from worsening.
References:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-285--9247-0,00.html
http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/does-exercise-contribute-to-arthritis-cinnamon-treatment-for-diabetes
References:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-285--9247-0,00.html
http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/does-exercise-contribute-to-arthritis-cinnamon-treatment-for-diabetes
The reasons for osteoarthritis is still unknown, however, I thought it is related to aging and is genetic. Also, osteoarthritis is mostly prevalent in obese people.
ReplyDeleteTalking about exercise, it may depend on what type of exercise you are talking about? Minor walking or running may not effect so much while sports like football, basketball or soccer may contribute to worsening of osteoarthritis.
I agree that there are some risk factors in dealing with osteoarthritis, which include age and genetics. Some people tend to be more careful with their knees when it comes to these factors due to their awareness.
DeleteIn exercise, I believe that this is commenting in regards to exercise where it is quite strenuous to joints such as outdoor sports. I don't believe exercise such as biking would contribute to osteoarthritis.
Overall, exercise in moderation should keep the joints in fit condition without the wear and tear effects. As in every other aspect of our health, we must be able to find a happy medium in order to keep our bodies healthy.
also i think that the before and after exercise stretching can contribute to osteoarthritis because you are applying more pressure in the ligaments if you don't stretch
DeleteThanks for the comments guys, My blog post looks a lot like some of the lay articles that we had in class. But with regards to the articles, do you think that either exercising or inactivity will prevent someone from suffering from arthritis? In my personal opinion I rather be active and experience some arthritis, compared to being innactive and still experience osteoarthritis pain. trying to think I don't know anyone above the age of 45 who does not experience some sort of joint discomfort, especially in the knees.
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ReplyDeleteSo from what I read, running and exercise in general strengthens both the joints and the muscle, which in turn delays the onset of arthritis symptoms. Many cases of osteoarthritis do occur due to trauma to the joint, which are more likely to happen if you are out and about as oppose to watching tv, however watching tv and NOT exercising weakens the bones and muscles. If both a fit person and a non-fit person get osteoarthritis, the degeneration of joints and bones will be faster in the person with weaker bones and muscles.
ReplyDeleteSo I chose exercise, Sergio
Actually I shouldnt say that osteoarthritis occurs due to trauma, just that there is an association.
ReplyDeleteI think this is really interesting! I am an avid runner and have always heard speculation about how running is bad for your joints. I agree with what you said stefanie about how it makes sense that those who run will have stronger muscles surrounding the joints to provide more support compared to those who don't run. Their joints and muscles will be weaker and will have to work harder to support the body.
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