Which sports are particularly joint-friendly for people with arthritis?
March 6, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Fanni Helbig
Dear Doctor,
My name is Marcus Ullmann and I have been suffering from arthritis in my joints, particularly in my knees and hips, for some time now. This condition is making it increasingly difficult for me to engage in sports and physical activities, and I am concerned about the long-term effects on my health. So far, I have mainly focused on endurance sports such as running or cycling, but I feel that these activities are putting additional strain on my joints.
Therefore, I would like to know from you which sports are particularly joint-friendly for people with arthritis. Which activities can help me relieve stress on my joints and improve my fitness at the same time? Are there specific exercises or training methods that I can incorporate into my sports program to strengthen my joints and reduce pain?
I am very motivated to improve my health and manage my arthritis, so I would be very grateful for your expertise and recommendations. I look forward to hearing from you and am eager to receive your advice.
Best regards,
Marcus Ullmann
Dear Marcus Ullmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding joint-friendly sports for people with arthritis. It is understandable that you are concerned about your health and are looking for ways to relieve your joints and improve your fitness. I will gladly provide you with some recommendations that can help you manage arthritis and stay active.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that exercise and sports can play an important role in managing arthritis. However, it is crucial to choose the right sports that do not excessively strain the joints. For people with arthritis in the knees and hips, I typically recommend sports such as swimming, aqua fitness, cycling, Nordic walking, or yoga.
Swimming is an excellent joint-friendly sport as the buoyancy in the water relieves the joints and makes movements easier. Aqua fitness offers similar benefits and can help build muscles and strengthen the joints. Cycling is also a good option as it provides a gentle endurance workout and puts less strain on the joints than running. Nordic walking is an effective way to train endurance and strength without putting too much strain on the joints. Yoga can also be helpful in improving flexibility and strengthening the muscles around the joints.
In addition to these sports, specific exercises and training methods can help strengthen the joints and reduce pain. Physiotherapists can create individual exercise programs tailored to your needs to help strengthen the muscles around the joints. Targeted strength training with light weights can also help relieve the joints and improve stability.
It is important to listen to your body and watch out for warning signs such as pain or swelling. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your sports activities. Consult your doctor or physiotherapist regularly to ensure you are doing the right exercises and managing your arthritis well.
I hope these recommendations help you and motivate you to stay active and improve your health. If you have any further questions or need additional information, I am happy to assist. I wish you all the best on your journey to better health.
Best regards,
Fanni Helbig
