Stretching to Improve Flexibility

Everyone knows stretching is good for our bodies, but many think of Cirque du Soleil when discussing flexibility. Even a small increase in stretching can prevent orthopedic problems like arthritis from progressing and can help the pain. It can be done whenever you think about it. A good stretch begins by moving the joint to a position where you feel that it has been stretched, hold for 10 seconds and then push very slightly more. Heating before stretching and then icing afterwards helps as well.

Sample Exercise: Hip and Knee Stretch

You may only be able to reach your knees when you begin; even moving to the mid-calf will be great for arthritis in the hips and knees.

1. Sit on the floor and reach for your toes until you feel a comfortable stretch.
2. Hold for 10 seconds
3. Push slightly more into the stretch
4. Release

Aerobic Exercise for Endurance

Motion is key to orthopedic health. Joints that do not move will deteriorate and become even more arthritic joints. Low impact aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, and bicycling will strengthen your heart and lungs, allowing you added energy throughout the day. Endurance depends on how much oxygen gets to the muscles and joints, and how the muscles and joints use that oxygen.

Sample Exercise: Walk

The impact of running will negatively affect your arthritic joints, but walking will not and actually helps the joints. Walking for 20-30 minutes at least three times a week is recommended.

Balance for Even Weight Distribution

Balance involves the ability to maintain one position for a long time without falling. It is a variation of endurance, and improves with better strength and flexibility. Balance is very important for joints as it allows for an even distribution of weight. When weight is evenly distributed then cartilage is not as easily damaged (causing orthopedic ailments such as arthritis). Yoga and Tai chi are both good ways to improve balance, and reduce the rates of hip and wrist fractures.

Sample Exercise: Tree Pose (Yoga)

1. Stand on one leg
2. Place the sole of the other foot on the standing calf, making sure to not let it rest on a joint like the knee or ankle
3. Focus on a spot on the wall and hold still
4. Leave the toe of the other foot on the ground and place the heel against the ankle

By doing these few simple exercises in a short amount of time at home, you can gain relief from the pain and discomfort of arthritis.

Incorporate this routine and other simple exercises (as recommended by your physical therapist or orthopedic doctor) into a regular, daily routine to experience greater strength, endurance, and flexibility for improved health and movement!

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The early stage can be a problematic one, as this pain is hard to distinguish from regular discomfort. To remedy this stage of ankle arthritis, take some anti-inflammatory NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen – if you aren’t allergic. Pair with this supportive footwear, low-impact activity, and a healthy, active lifestyle. Low impact aerobic activity has been shown to be best for cartilage health. Note that no activity is not good for cartilage.

Mid-Stage Ankle Arthritis

Later, bone spurs develop in response to abnormal cartilage. Thus, this is the stage where you will begin to realize some discomfort and pain that may not be normal. Symptoms will become more noticeable, as you’ll experience varying levels of pain throughout the day that comes in waves, as well as occasional swelling. Occasional rest and off-loading of the ankle may become necessary at this point. Doing so can help in the short term. However, for long-term solutions, it is better to stay somewhat active to keep your muscles strong so that they can support the ankle joint.

One remedy to this stage of arthritis, continue to take NSAIDs, do low-impact exercise, and meet with an orthopedic surgeon to determine the next steps. At this stage, surgery may be considered to remove spurs, clean up joins or stabilize or realign the ankle. Bracing and graded socks are often helpful. Rocker bottom shoes also and topical pain methods may also help with this.

End-Stage Ankle Arthritis

The late stages of ankle arthritis are when the cartilage around the joint is almost entirely gone, leaving very little space between the bones, inhibiting motion. This may be true for all or just a portion of the joint. Spurs can be quite large as well. At this stage, the ankle will be incredibly stiff and sometimes completely immobile.

Simple activities like ascending/descending stairs and squatting can become impossible. In the later stages, the lubricating fluid in your joints is absent, so the friction on your bones is increased. Moving at this stage may be painful and could also be damaging to your bones. However, many people can remain high-functioning and relatively pain-free, despite this arthritis. To treat this stage of arthritis, previous remedies (such as NSAIDs and light activity) may not be enough. If you’re at this stage and the pain is affecting your daily life, contact an orthopedic surgeon immediately, as surgery could likely be needed.

Your surgeon could also recommend a series of nonoperative remedies as well. These could range from physical therapy to acupuncture, to special shoes or CAM (complementary alternative medicine).

Arthritis is a painful disease that can get worse the longer you ignore it. Identifying that the pain or discomfort is in fact arthritis is an important step, and seeking help before symptoms worse is crucial. Sometimes, our joints are sore, stiff, and hurt a little, especially at older ages.