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Living with chronic joint pain on an on-going basis is not only annoying, it is a constant reminder of what you can and cannot physically do.
Some people try to ignore the pain, engaging in some form of exercise only to experience inflammation and pain later. I can highly relate, as I used to suffer from extreme joint pain in either my left or right knee or both. A devastating blow psychologically, especially when you engage in an active lifestyle on a regular basis. It is even more frustrating when you are diagnosed with a form of arthritis.
Many people who live with arthritis are realizing it is not an automatic end to physical fitness. Arthritis sufferers are finding ways to keep fit, while reducing the pain they feel. There are many natural supplements that can alleviate joint pain and reduce inflammation like glucosamine and chondroitin. These key natural ingredients are helpful to achieve the recovery of your joints. Most importantly, glucosamine and chondroitin are both beneficial for pain management with the reduction of inflammation. Pain caused by inflammation can cause damage to joints, so it is important to manage this swelling. Besides supplementation, it is also important to ice your joints in 15 to 20 minute increments to reduce swelling.
One way to cope with arthritis is to engage in martial arts like Karate. Now many will not understand the connection between Karate and arthritis or any martial art form for that matter. Some may believe you are causing more harm than good, but this is the farthest from the truth. You see Karate, like any martial art, stretches your joints and in the process makes your joints stronger. The variety of movements you engage in a Karate class, such as kicking, punching or jumping, creates increased flexibility. This in turn, increases your overall range of motion. So bending down on a daily basis becomes easier or reaching for an item from the kitchen cupboard is no longer painful.
Moreover, people who practice Karate with arthritis consider the increased mobility as a key factor to their overall pain management. Furthermore, they experience an increased energy level and a dramatic boost in their self-confidence. Additionally, participants experience an increase in stress management, self-discipline and overall physical fitness. Nevertheless, just like any martial art, it is important to note that there may be movements you can only perform at 60% rather than at 100%. But this is minor, considering the enormous tradeoffs you will receive engaging in Karate.
Beside the physical aspect of breaking boards with your fists or feet, there are meditation components to Karate that will help you cope mentally with the pain and you get to relax in the moment. As always, before engaging in any physical activity, it is important to check with your doctor first to make sure you are a suitable candidate.
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I have been training in and teaching classical Okinawan and Japanese Karate since 1971. Having been diagnosed last year with tri-compartmental arthritis in both kness, I understand the pain. But contrary to your article, movements such as kneeling, kicking, rapid stepping etc, are so painful I fall down. I cannot even kick the air. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks
Don
Hi Don – thank you for your comment. When you’re dealing with something as painful as arthritis, you need to take one day at a time and exercise at whatever level you feel like you’re at on that particular day. You also need to come to terms with the fact that you’re not going to be working out at the same level as you have all these years. For example, with kicks, you’ll need to kick a little lower, and there will be some moves you just won’t be able to do. You will also want to avoid too many repetitive motions, as this will aggravate your arthritic joints. You’ll also want to watch what foods you eat. Saturated fats are known to aggravate inflammation. Try keeping a food journal and notice which foods cause a reaction and which foods don’t. There are some excellent joint recovery and pain management supplements out there, containing chondroitin and and glucosamine that also help, but make sure you check with your physician first.
There are all sorts of arthritis support groups out there that can help, as well as communities like Joints in Motion. These are a good way of finding out more information and meeting people with the same health issues that could share their experiences with you.
Just keep doing what you’re doing and learn to recognize and accept your limitations, but don’t let it take away from a sport that you enjoy and love.
Hope this helps.
Just an old student who wanted to get in contact with Don O.