Exercises That Are Suitable For Those With Osteoarthritis
(Disclaimer: In this post, we are talking mainly about those without heart disease, breathing problems or diseases that don't permit cardio exercises)
So I have a few patients (actually more than just a few) who came to me with mild to severe obesity. One of the regular questions that I ask would be about their physical activities.
Do you exercise regularly?
It would not be to my surprise that many would say "seldom" or even "none at all".
And the reason? -- Knee pain.
This becomes a vicious cycle:
While it is discouraged for the patients with osteoarthritis to continue weight bearing activities, such as jogging, running, jumping, long time standing etc., there are other activities which are not weight bearing.
Personally, I would suggest cycling and swimming. Of course there are other forms of low weight bearing excercises to choose from, all depends on your own choice.
(No, not exercising is not one of the good choice)
Cycling would be my preferred choice, and here is why.
To some it may be dangerous to cycle on the road, but there's always the static kind to be used at home.
As you sit on the bicycle seat, most of your body weight above your pelvis is supported by the bike itself, and the pressure on the knees will be far reduced. This decreases the friction between the femur and tibia (also other bones la) and when you paddle, the axis of pressure is at a 60 to 90 degrees rather than a straight compression to the joint.
(Of course, adjusting the bike to a heavier gear may not be as good)
One can always use a static bicycle in front of a TV. So there's actually no reason to have time for TV but no time for exercise. NO EXCUSE!
No money to buy a bike? sell your TV and get a bike, you couch potatoes! 😎
Swimming is also a preferred exercise. Other than burning those calories, and virtually zero pressure to the knees, it also improves one's breathing.
The cons would be that you won't have it at home unless you are rich enough to have a big house with a pool (which I don't have, and I am too lazy to drive out again after work, so I chose cycling instead 😂).
Congratulations to the Malaysia Team in the 2017 SEA Games.
Will talk more about Osteoarthritis in my next post.
Do you exercise regularly?
It would not be to my surprise that many would say "seldom" or even "none at all".
And the reason? -- Knee pain.
This becomes a vicious cycle:
Personally, I would suggest cycling and swimming. Of course there are other forms of low weight bearing excercises to choose from, all depends on your own choice.
(No, not exercising is not one of the good choice)
Cycling would be my preferred choice, and here is why.
To some it may be dangerous to cycle on the road, but there's always the static kind to be used at home.
As you sit on the bicycle seat, most of your body weight above your pelvis is supported by the bike itself, and the pressure on the knees will be far reduced. This decreases the friction between the femur and tibia (also other bones la) and when you paddle, the axis of pressure is at a 60 to 90 degrees rather than a straight compression to the joint.
(Of course, adjusting the bike to a heavier gear may not be as good)
One can always use a static bicycle in front of a TV. So there's actually no reason to have time for TV but no time for exercise. NO EXCUSE!
No money to buy a bike? sell your TV and get a bike, you couch potatoes! 😎
Swimming is also a preferred exercise. Other than burning those calories, and virtually zero pressure to the knees, it also improves one's breathing.
The cons would be that you won't have it at home unless you are rich enough to have a big house with a pool (which I don't have, and I am too lazy to drive out again after work, so I chose cycling instead 😂).
Congratulations to the Malaysia Team in the 2017 SEA Games.
Will talk more about Osteoarthritis in my next post.
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