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Senior News June, 2004 Vol. 25. No. 6
Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.
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Humboldt Senior Resource Center Back issues Table of Contents
 Exercise is the best treatment for pain and stiffness
Plus in this issue catch more news, opinions, features, book reviews, and event calendars.
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Osteoarthritis Exercise is the best treatment for pain and stiffness by Connie Rose Almost everyone will get osteoarthritis if they live long enough. The cartilage that cushions the end of the bones becomes frayed and wears away, and this causes stiffness and pain. The three most common types of osteoarthritis are: • Osteoarthritis of the neck and low back, sometimes called degenerative joint disease. Bony growths or spurs often contribute to narrowing of the space for the nerves. This does not usually cause symptoms unless there is pressure on the nerves or irritation of other tissues in the back. • Hip and knee osteoarthritis which may make walking difficult. Obesity also accelerates the rate of damage in these weight-bearing joints. • Bony, knobby enlargements and stiffness of the finger joints. Arthritis at the base of the thumb is also common and can be debilitating. Pain occurs at the thumb side of the wrist during pinch activities and deformity of the thumb may occur. Recent research has shown that the best treatment for all of these types of arthritis is the right exercise program. In fact, inactivity can cause a vicious cycle to occur which includes gradually increasing stiffness, fatigue, pain, deformity and degeneration. Because cartilage on the ends of bones does not have its own blood supply, joints must be moved to squeeze fluid and waste products out and then allow oxygen and nutrients to seep back in. Joints should be exercised through full motion several times every day. A regular exercise program that includes flexibility, strengthening and aerobic conditioning lessens fatigue, builds stronger muscles and bones, increases flexibility, gives more stamina, and improves general health and sense of well-being. Adaptive activities and equipment, heat and cold treatment and splints can also help to decrease pain and deformity and improve function and safety. While arthritis is not a curable disease, the right rehabilitation program can reduce symptoms by 50 to 80 percent and enable you to enjoy your well-deserved retirement years. Certified hand therapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists can help you with the following: • Training in customized exercise programs to maximize flexibility, strength and endurance. • Training in adaptive techniques and equipment to improve pain, independence and safety. • Education in heat and cold treatment to increase flexibility and decrease pain. • Customized hand splints to decrease deformity and stabilize the hand for improved function and decreased pain. Connie Rose is development director for Vector Health Programs. For more information, call Vector Rehabilitation at 707-442-6463 or Vector Health at 707-445-8881. Vector Health Classes • STRONG (Low Impact) exercise classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. • Ongoing Tai Chi classes for chronic pain Tuesdays at 2 p.m. at 2121 Myrtle and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at 2822 Harris. • June 23, 5:30, Arthritis Education class on osteoporosis with Dr. Gena Pennington • In July look for a Living with Arthritis three-hour workshop with Susan Fisher, occupational therapist and arthritis educator. • Aug. 5, 5:30, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cervical Diseases with Dr. Gordon Nakata |
Senior News