Which sports are particularly good for people with joint problems?
February 10, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Isabel Schlosser
Dear Doctor,
My name is David Wunderlich and I have been suffering from joint problems for some time, especially noticeable during sports. I am a big sports fan and have regularly participated in various sports in the past. Unfortunately, due to my complaints, I had to give up many of my favorite sports as they were too strenuous on my joints.
My joint issues have led to me being less active and I can feel that my physical fitness is suffering as a result. I am concerned about my health and would like to become more active again without putting too much strain on my joints. Therefore, I am looking for sports that are particularly suitable for people with joint problems.
I have heard that swimming and cycling are good sports for people with joint problems as they are joint-friendly. Is this true? Are there any other sports I could try to improve my fitness without overloading my joints? What exercises or measures could help me alleviate my joint problems while staying physically active?
I would appreciate your recommendations and tips so that I can find joy in movement again without straining my joints too much.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
David Wunderlich
Dear Mr. Wunderlich,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from joint problems and had to give up your favorite sports activities as a result. It is understandable that you are concerned about your health and would like to become more active again without overloading your joints.
In fact, swimming and cycling are two very joint-friendly sports recommended for people with joint problems. Swimming puts minimal stress on the joints as the water supports a large part of the body weight. This allows you to build endurance and strength without putting too much strain on the joints. Cycling distributes weight evenly on both legs, which also relieves the joints. It is important to find the right sitting position and bike adjustment to minimize the strain on the joints.
In addition to swimming and cycling, there are other sports suitable for people with joint problems. These include yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, or Nordic walking. These sports promote flexibility, strength, and coordination without putting too much strain on the joints. It is advisable to speak to a trainer or physiotherapist to tailor the exercises to your needs.
To alleviate your joint problems and stay active, I also recommend regularly performing stretching exercises to improve the flexibility of your joints. Warm-up before exercise and cool-down afterwards are also important to prevent injuries. Make sure not to overload your joints and listen to your body to avoid pain.
I hope that my recommendations and tips will help you find joy in movement again and improve your fitness without straining your joints too much. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Isabel Schlosser
