Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs due to wear and tear of the flexible tissue at the bones’ end. It is a progressive disease and can cause pain in the knees, neck, back, and hips. However, by practicing simple physiotherapeutic exercises, an individual can regain control of their body and reduce pain. One such simple activity is walking.
Walking is an essential part of our everyday life, helping us move around. For someone suffering from Osteoarthritis, pain in the knees makes movement difficult, due to which, walking can also seem painful. But regular walking and exercise get the body moving and can help progressively reduce the pain one experiences. Lack of movement in the joint can cause it to go stiff, making movement incredibly painful and uncomfortable. Thus, to limit pain, it is essential to exercise. We will talk about the simple act of walking and how it can positively influence one’s lifestyle.
This may be a little painful at first due to inflammation in the knees. But as one continues to practice walking daily while making sure not to over-exert themselves, the pain eventually begins to reside. Walking helps rebuild the joints and develops the muscles around it. Compression and decompression in the joints can give the cartilage the nutrients it needs to function correctly. Walking also helps reduce weight and boost the metabolism, which will reduce the amount of weight your joints need to support, further helping reduce pain. While practicing walking, it is essential to listen to your body. Concentrate on volume rather than the intensity; it’s more important to walk regularly daily rather than overexert oneself on a particular day. If you’re experiencing sudden pain or swelling and are unable to continue walking, it is better to stop and rest for a couple of days. Osteoarthritis is a severe condition that affects a lot of people, but with proper care and nutrition, one can limit the harm it causes the body.