Can a lack of exercise cause or worsen muscle and joint pain?

Not exercising causes the supporting muscles to weaken. This will put more strain on bones and joints and ultimately make the pain worse. If you haven't exercised in a while, start slowly. Don't push yourself too hard, as this can overload your muscles and make joint pain worse.

Strengthening exercises are crucial simply because your joints can end up causing you pain if you have weak muscles. When the muscles that are meant to support the body's weight weaken, the weight of the body falls on the skeletal system, specifically the spine. Inactivity can cause a variety of health problems, such as arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes, but it can also cause weight gain and weaken muscles and joints. If you don't exercise, the supporting muscles will weaken and this will put even more pressure on the joints.

Examples of aerobics that don't damage joints include walking, biking, swimming, and water aerobics. While rest is important, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, that is, you spend more time sitting and resting than doing physical activity, you may be seriously affecting your joint health and increasing the symptoms of arthritis. Of course, when joints are stiff and painful, the idea of walking around the block or swimming a few laps may seem like too much. While it can be difficult to find the time or energy to be active, it's important to stay on your feet and work hard to keep your joints healthy.

You should choose something that is low-impact to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your joints when cycling or swimming. When a muscle isn't used regularly, it begins to atrophy (the process of wear and tear, especially as a result of cell degeneration). Exercise and physical therapy are absolutely vital for arthritis and joints to keep the body flexible and strong and to reduce pain. Regular exercise and the right diet are the essential tools you need to combat chronic pain and maintain good health.

Exercises for arthritis can include exercises to make joints experience their full range of motion and strengthening exercises. If you have rheumatoid arthritis instead of osteoarthritis, you may already find that exercise helps keep pain at bay. Physical therapy and exercises help combat pain, increase muscle strength, increase energy levels and improve range of motion.