What is the significance and method of functional exercise for degenerative osteoarthritis?
Disease description:
After being diagnosed with degenerative arthritis, I feel that my joints are not as flexible as before. My doctor mentioned that functional exercises are needed. What is the significance and what are the methods of such exercises?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
Degenerative osteoarthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, is a common chronic condition primarily affecting the joints. With aging, cartilage wears away, increasing bone friction and leading to pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.
Below are the key benefits of functional exercise:
1. Pain relief: Strengthening muscles around the joints improves joint stability and reduces joint stress.
2. Enhanced muscle strength: Strong muscles can absorb some of the impact forces, reducing pressure on the joints and protecting damaged cartilage.
3. Improved joint flexibility: Regular stretching exercises increase range of motion and reduce stiffness.
4. Improved quality of life: Functional exercise helps enhance the ability to perform daily activities, enabling patients to carry out daily tasks more easily and boosting confidence.
Recommended types of functional exercise include:
1. Low-impact aerobic exercise: Patients with mild symptoms can choose low-impact aerobic activities such as swimming, walking, or cycling. These exercises improve cardiovascular fitness, promote blood circulation, and reduce joint stress.
2. Stretching and flexibility training: Performing gentle stretching exercises daily helps maintain joint range of motion and reduce stiffness.
