Arthritis—a term that refers to a broad range of conditions related to joint inflammation—can affect people of all ages, genders, and medical backgrounds. While arthritis is most common among older adults, young adults—and even children—can experience certain forms of arthritis. Many people find that swimming can help to lessen the pain associated with arthritis. Here, we'll explore more about the condition, how exercise can help to ease arthritis symptoms, and a few safety tips to keep in mind if you've been diagnosed with arthritis and are interested in hitting the pool.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis involves the swelling and tenderness of a joint, or of multiple joints. The most common symptoms of arthritis are stiffness, joint pain, and a decreased range of motion. Many people who experience the condition find that it gets worse as they get older.
Types of arthritis
There are several different types of arthritis, including:
- Gout: This common form of arthritis can affect anyone of any age. Gout is characterized by severe joint pain attacks, and most commonly affects the big toe.
- Osteoarthritis: Most people who have arthritis experience osteoarthritis. This condition occurs when the cartilage that usually protects the ends of the bones wears down over time.
- Psoriatic arthritis: This type of arthritis is associated with the skin condition psoriasis, and can cause joint inflammation and additional skin symptoms.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This chronic autoimmune condition most commonly affects the wrists and fingers, causing painful, swollen, stiff joints.
- Ankylosing spondylitis: Causing inflammation in certain parts of the spine, ankylosing spondylitis can cause the formation of bony bridges between vertebrae.
Exercise and arthritis
Participating in frequent, healthy movement is one of the most effective ways to ease arthritis symptoms. While it may seem counterintuitive that more movement can help joint pain, regular exercise strengthens the muscles around the joints, which can lead to a reduction of symptoms over time.
Some types of exercise tend to be better for people with arthritis than others, says Dr. W. Zach Smith, Founder of HIDEF Physical Therapy.
"Swimming is great for arthritis in that it is a low-impact way to get moving," says Dr. Smith. "Motion is lotion for arthritis and being able to do something with less pain that gets the joints moving will help to circulate the lubrication in the joint (synovial fluid), which makes the joints feel good. I love to prescribe swimming for my patients with really painful ankles, knees, and hips."
Swimming can also help when it comes to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. This can be helpful for people who are overweight or have obesity and are living with arthritis, as carrying excess weight can place additional strain on inflamed joints, exacerbating arthritis symptoms.
Arthritis can help to support symptom reduction for people with a variety of types of arthritis. For people with osteoarthritis, movement in water can help to slow the progression of the condition, as it can both improve joint mobility and build strength. People who have psoriatic arthritis often notice that their symptoms are triggered by stress, and swimming can help to reduce stress and lessen the frequency of symptom-heavy days. For people who experience gout, swimming can help to reduce the frequency of attacks by helping with weight management and supporting heart health.
Safety first: Tips to keep in mind when swimming with arthritis
It's important to prioritize your safety when you're exercising with arthritis. Talking to your doctor and/or personal trainer can help you understand when it's time to push yourself and when it's time to take it easy.
Follow these safety tips to stay safe while exercising with arthritis:
- Start slow. If you've been living with arthritis for a while, it's possible that you may have a lower level of fitness than you did in your earlier years. Take your time as you get to know your current fitness level, and err on the side of caution. Start with a few minutes of activity at a time. While it's normal to have some soreness when you start exercising, you should not notice a major increase in pain or other arthritis symptoms in the days following your workouts.
- Stay in safe swimming environments. It can take time to build up your endurance, so it's a good idea to start swimming in a pool with a lifeguard. If you build up your endurance so that you're able to tackle open-water swims, exercise caution, and consider heading to the beach or lake with a friend.
- Adaptation is key. You might find that exercise you once loved feels different, and that's OK. It can take some time to find the type of exercise that's the right fit for you. If you're unsure of how to proceed, talk with your doctor, personal trainer, or physical therapist for tips on workouts that can support your health.
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