EXERCISE AND PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

HOW EXERCISE IMPROVES JOINT FUNCTION IN PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS PATIENTS
It's all about strengthening those core muscles safely and effectively.
Exercise is one of the best things you can do to improve your general health—and it can be especially beneficial for people with psoriatic arthritis. Exercise improves joint function by helping you lose excess body weight or maintain a healthy weight, which reduces stress on the joints. And being physicially active also improves flexibility and joint mobility and increases muscle strength.
“Strength training and core strengthening are very important,” says Elinor Mody, MD, director of the Women's Orthopedic and Joint Disease Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. “They help protect knees and ankles, take fore off of the joints, and also help prevent soft-tissue injuries, such as bursitis and tendonitis that might occur because of pain in the joints. The stronger the muscles are, the less those things will happen.”
Dr. Mody recommends that people with psoriatic arthritis work with a physical therapist to target specific muscles. “Strengthening the quadriceps (front of the thigh) and the muscles around the shoulder—the rotator cuffs-is essential,” she says. “Core exercises that work the s tabilizing muscles—the latissimus dorsi, the abdominals, gluteal muscles—are also very important,” Regular movement also helps to supply the cartilage in the joints with blood, making aerobic activity a key part of your exercise plan.
Exercise Suggestions for People With Psoriatic Arthritis
Experts says it's crucial that you keep your joints moving with exercise, and they generally recommend the following types of exercise for psoriatic arthritis:
Stretching or flexibility exercises to help reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility and range of motion. Yoga is a good activity to try because it also has a relaxing component.
Strengthening exercises, such as working with light weights, to develop and maintain muscle tone, endurance, and strength.
Aerobic exercises, such as walking, swimming, and cycling, helps improve cardiovascular fitness and main a healthy body weight.
Exercise Safety Tips for People With Psoriatic Arthritis
Following these recommendations will help ensure safe and effective exercise routines:
Plan ahead. Before you start a new exercise program, check with your doctor to find the best types of exercises for your symptoms.
Start slow. Begin with movement that is easy on the joints, such as swimming, cycling, or other low-impact activities.
Protect your joints. Avoid movements or activities that may stress the joints, such as sudden twists or high-impact aerobics.
Listen to your body. Be sure to rest if your joints feel painful, red, or swollen.
Wear appropriate clothing. Donning something loose-fitting is particularly important if your skin is inflamed or sensitive. Avoid irritating fabrics like polyester; go for cottons and other natural fibers.
Opt for closed-toe shoes. These will protect your toenails while you exercise if you have nail psoriasis.
Schedule workouts wisely. Exercise at times when you know you have the most energy and the least amount of joint stiffness. Many people with psoriatic arthritis experience morning stiffness and find that exercising in the afternoon or evening is more comfortable. If you're particularly stiff in the morning, a warm shower may help loosen your muscles.
Watch the temperature. Make sure to keep the room where you're working out at a warm, comfortable temperature.
Too much exercise or the wrong type, however, may make psoriatic arthritis worse. So, it's important to consult with your doctor or physical therapist to find appropriate exercises that you enjoy and will make a part of your daily routine.
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