Which sports are recommended for joint problems?
May 7, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Ingo Hoffmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Claudia Eder and I have been suffering from joint problems, especially in my knees, for some time now. These issues greatly affect my daily life and I am looking for ways to relieve my joints and still be able to exercise.
I have been regularly jogging and playing tennis, but I have noticed that these sports put additional strain on my joints and worsen the pain. Therefore, I am looking for sports that are gentle on my joints but still effective in keeping me fit and improving my health.
I am concerned that my joint problems could worsen due to the wrong choice of sports, so I would like to know which sports you would recommend for joint issues. Are there any specific exercises or sports that are particularly joint-friendly but still effective for health?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with some recommendations so that I can adjust my physical activity and protect my joints. Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Kind regards,
Claudia Eder
Dear Mrs. Eder,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an orthopedic specialist. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from joint problems, especially in your knees. It is important to pay attention to the strain on your joints in order to alleviate pain and improve your well-being.
It is understandable that you are concerned about which sports may worsen your joint problems and which ones may help you stay fit without overloading your joints. There are indeed various sports and exercises that are joint-friendly and can still be effective for your health.
One of the best sports for people with joint problems is swimming. Swimming puts minimal stress on your joints as the water supports a large portion of your body weight. This can help improve your endurance and muscle strength without overloading your joints. Additionally, aqua fitness classes can also be a good alternative to train both strength and endurance.
Cycling can also be a joint-friendly sport, as most of your body weight is on the bike and the movement of the knee joint is significantly reduced. However, it is recommended to ride on a well-adjusted bike to ensure that your knees are not overloaded.
For strength training, you can switch to exercises with low weight and high repetitions to strengthen your muscles without putting too much strain on your joints. Pilates and yoga are also good options to strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility, and correct your posture without overloading your joints.
It is important to listen to your body and watch out for warning signs that indicate a sport may not be suitable for you. If you experience pain during or after exercise, you should reduce the strain or try a different sport if necessary.
In conclusion, it is important to regularly engage in sports to maintain your health and strengthen your joints. By choosing joint-friendly sports, you can improve your fitness without overloading your joints.
I hope these recommendations help you find the right sport for you and relieve your joints. If you have any further questions or would like individual advice, I am happy to assist.
Best regards,
Ingo Hoffmann
