Question 185 of 433
Is arthritis just wear and tear? Should I rest my joints?
The short answer
No, and no. Osteoarthritis is an active disease of the whole joint, and movement is its best treatment.
Cartilage has no blood supply. It is fed by the fluid that moves through it when the joint is loaded and released. Rest starves it. Trials consistently show that exercise reduces arthritis pain as much as anti-inflammatory drugs do, with better effects on function. Strong thigh and hip muscles take load off the knee. Every pound of body weight lost removes about four pounds of force from the knee with each step.
Recreational running does not wear out healthy knees. Runners have less knee arthritis than people who sit.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST HUMAN TRIALS — Osteoarthritis: exercise improves pain and function; optimal load depends on the joint and patient.Evidence grade (draft mapping)ARobust human trialsPart 13, Q185 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.