Light exercise helps manage arthritis pain during monsoon

Time now for our "Life & Info" segment... where we focus on information useful for your everyday life.The monsoon season has arrived in Korea, …and the high temperatures and humidity can increase joint pain and stiffness in people with arthritis.Park Se-young has more.This 80-year-old woman has been suffering from arthritis for more than 20 years.Around this time of the year, the weather is particularly harsh on her joints."Both my knees, hips and back hurt more if it rains or is cloudy."High temperatures and humidity are associated with increased joint pain and stiffness.Sweating releases synovial fluids, …which are lubricants around the joints, …and this increases irritation from friction.Low barometric pressure during the monsoon season also increases internal pressure in the joints and causes swelling.And the cold air from air conditioners causes muscles to contract, which results in more pain.Doing nothing can result in joint deterioration and lead to loss of function, …which is why experts recommend light exercise."It's better to avoid exercises like walking up stairs or hiking. It's important to strengthen the muscles through exercises that are easy on the joints like flatland walking, swimming, stationary bike riding and aqua aerobics."Experts say light exercise not only reduces arthritis pain, but also helps to prevent arthritis and slow its progression.Arthritis patients are also recommended to protect their knees from cold air by using cover-ups or blankets.Park Se-young, Arirang News.