Currently, no medical disease-modifying strategies exist in the management of osteoarthritis. Except for controlling weight and reducing obesity, healthcare providers are limited to prevention and treatment of specific symptoms. Therefore, it would seem counterintuitive that increasing physical activity could help to minimize loss of function and increase physical capacity. Sedentary older adults who do not engage in leisure activity are significantly more likely to report knee pain than their more active counterparts. To date, what type of exercise is most beneficial and what limitations should be observed are not completely defined.
Some activities increase the likelihood of developing osteoarthritis.
For example, runners often develop osteoarthritis. Similarly, patients with unstable joints are predisposed to osteoarthritis and thus require special consideration when exercise regimens are considered. Most studies have shown a direct relationship with increases in strength and pain reduction. This finding suggests that the previous dogma of resting osteoarthritic joints should be reexamined. Physicians should prescribe exercise as a therapy and educate arthritic patients about the benefits of exercise.