Which sports are particularly suitable for people with joint problems?
August 8, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Marcus Schneider
Dear doctor,
My name is Lukas Buchner and I am reaching out to you because I have been experiencing joint problems for some time now. I am 45 years old and have always been very active in sports. However, in the past few months, I have noticed increasing pain in my joints, especially in my knees and hips. These pains are affecting my mobility and making it difficult for me to engage in my usual sporting activities.
I am concerned that my joint problems could worsen due to engaging in the wrong sports. Therefore, I would like to know from you which sports are particularly suitable for people with joint problems. Are there specific exercises or sports that are gentle on the joints but still effective? What activities can help strengthen the muscles around the joints and thus alleviate the pain?
I would like to continue being active in sports to promote my health and improve my well-being. Therefore, it would be very helpful for me to receive specific recommendations from you on which sports I can safely practice. Thank you in advance for your support and I look forward to your expert advice.
Sincerely,
Lukas Buchner
Dear Mr. Buchner,
Thank you for your message and trust. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from joint problems and are restricted in your athletic activity. It is important that you continue to stay active to promote your health and improve your quality of life. I would be happy to provide you with some recommendations on sports that are particularly suitable for people with joint problems.
In general, it is important to choose sports that do not overly strain the joints, but are still effective. Swimming and water aerobics, for example, are very good options as the water supports the body and relieves the joints. This allows you to protect and strengthen your muscles at the same time. Cycling, especially on a stationary bike, is also a gentle sport for the joints as the pressure on the knees is lower than when running.
For strengthening the muscles around the joints, I recommend targeted strength exercises that address the affected areas. These include exercises with resistance bands, dumbbells, or your own body weight. A well-balanced strength training program can help relieve the joints and improve stability. It is important that you perform the exercises slowly and controlled to avoid injuries.
Yoga and Pilates are also good sports for people with joint problems as they can improve flexibility, coordination, and balance without overloading the joints. These exercises can help you maintain your mobility and alleviate pain.
However, it is important that you consult with your doctor before starting a new training program to ensure that the chosen sports are suitable for your individual situation. Your doctor can also recommend specific exercises tailored to your joint problems.
I hope these recommendations help you and that you can soon be active in sports without any complaints. If you have any further questions or need additional support, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Marcus Schneider
