It’s one of the most common causes of disability in the U.S., according to the CDC, and about 1 in every five adults is diagnosed with it.

Would it surprise you to learn that I’m talking about arthritis?

It is a common misconception that arthritis is an ailment only for the elderly. Arthritis can describe a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and gout. Of these, the two most common types of arthritis diagnosed are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

While both have symptoms that include swelling around the joints, those with osteoarthritis tend to experience more joint pain, stiffness, and achiness while rheumatoid arthritis sufferers experience more muscle stiffness, achiness, fatigue, and weakness.

Due to weakness and fatigue, patients with RA often have difficulty lifting items over 5 lbs., climbing a flight of stairs, or walking more than 1/4 of a mile. In fact, studies show that people with RA are anywhere from 33% to 55% weaker than healthy controls. An aggressive exercise regimen is often recommended to combat muscle atrophy and fatigue, as this keeps patients functioning at a higher level in their daily lives. Research shows that patients with RA benefit from both short-term and long-term aerobic capacity and dynamic strengthening programs to produce and maintain higher levels of function.

Comparison of a healthy knee joint and an osteoarthritis knee joint, highlighting cartilage damage and joint degeneration in osteoarthritis.

Conversely, patients with OA tend to suffer from more joint pain and stiffness, thereby affecting their range of motion and muscle function. In particular, hips and knees are two joints commonly affected by OA, and OA in these joints tends to lead to the most functional limitations and the greatest decrease in quality of life. Research studies indicate that resistance training – along with aerobic exercise – leads to the most changes in patients with OA in their knees.

While there has not been as much research done specifically on hip OA, preliminary studies do show that therapeutic exercise programs are as effective for the hip as they are for the knee. Researchers have found that long-term results diminish when healthcare providers fail to update prescribed exercise programs, or when patients do not maintain the same levels of exercise independently.

The research supports the effectiveness of an individualized physical therapy program in treating arthritis symptoms. A physical therapist can help you determine what specific exercises are best for you and your joints and how to manage your symptoms long-term.

References:

Farr JN, Going SB, McKnight PE, Kasle S, Cussler EC, Cornett M. Progressive Resistance Training Improves Overall Physical Activity Levels in Patients with Early Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Phys Ther. 2010;90(3);356-366.

Fernandes L, Storheim K, Nordsletten L, Risberg MA. Development of a Therapeutic Exercise Program for Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Hip.  Phys Ther. 2010;90(4);592-601.

Iversen MD, Brandenstein, JS. Do Dynamic Strengthening and Aerobic Capacity Exercises Reduce Pain and Improve Functional Outcomes and Strength in People with Established Rheumatoid Arthritis. Phys Ther.  2012;92(10);1251-1257.

Lin CC, Taylor D, Bierma-Zeinstra S, Maher CG. Exercise for Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Phys Ther. 2010;90(6);839-842

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