
Q How should I exercise if I have ankle osteoarthritis? Is walking also bad?
A For ankle osteoarthritis, low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and water walking are recommended. Walking on flat ground also helps maintain joint function within an appropriate speed and distance range. High-impact activities such as running, jumping, and walking on inclines should be avoided or minimized, as they accelerate joint wear and tear. Strengthening exercises for the calf and ankle muscles are effective in reducing pain by increasing joint stability.
Detailed Answer
Low-impact aerobic exercise promotes the circulation of synovial fluid, which supplies nutrients to joint cartilage. Strengthening exercises for the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles allow the muscles to share the ground reaction force applied to the ankle joint, thereby reducing the load on the cartilage. Ankle stretching and icing before and after exercise help suppress inflammatory responses. From the Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic In Korean medicine, appropriate exercise is an important health management method that activates the circulation of vital energy and blood, and strengthens the function of building flesh and muscle. However, since excessive strain exacerbates a deficiency of vital energy, it is important to exercise within a range that does not obstruct the flow, based on the principle that pain arises from blockages. At Dongjedang, we provide guidance on exercise intensity and types tailored to the treatment stage, and also teach simple self-care movements such as ankle rotation and sole pressure point stimulation to stimulate circulatory pathways around the joints.
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