The Best Medicine For Joint Pain Isn't What You Think, Says Expert
ScienceAlert • • health
Key Points:
- Osteoarthritis, the most common joint disease affecting over 595 million people worldwide, is often misunderstood as simple "wear and tear," but it is actually a complex whole-joint disease involving cartilage, bone, muscles, ligaments, and nerves.
- Despite strong evidence that exercise is the most effective treatment to protect joints, reduce pain, and improve function, fewer than half of osteoarthritis patients are referred to exercise or physiotherapy, with many receiving unsupported treatments or surgery prematurely.
- Regular movement helps cartilage health by facilitating nutrient flow, strengthens muscles to reduce disease progression, and combats inflammation and metabolic factors linked to osteoarthritis, especially in obese individuals.
- Exercise-based programs like GLA:D® have demonstrated significant improvements in pain, joint function, and
