Arthritis And Rheumatic Disease Improved By Physical Activity

More reasons to train.

In this year's annual World Arthritis Day under the theme "Move to Improve" held on October 12, the American College of Rheumatology is joining worldwide organizations in implementing physical activities to combat arthritis and rheumatic diseases, including osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and lupus.

In the U.S. approximately 50 million individuals, including almost 300,000 children suffer from arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Inactivity in people affected by these diseases could potentially lead to the development of a variety of health risks, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It also worsens weak muscles, stiff joints, decreased pain tolerance and poor balance common to many forms of arthritis.

Compared with people who are inactive, those physically active are physically healthier, happier and live longer, experiencing improvement in pain, sleep, energy and day-to-day functioning. This applies particularly to those affected by arthritis, and even though these facts are supported by evidence, arthritis sufferers' most common reason for inactivity is that it limits their physical activity and recreational pursuits.

As if one should need more reasons to train.