Nordic walking and osteoarthritis: an activity endorsed by rheumatologists
Osteoarthritis affects over 10 million people in France. Whilst the natural instinct is to avoid exertion in order to ‘spare’ the affected joints, current medical advice suggests the opposite: appropriate exercise is the best treatment for mild to moderate osteoarthritis. And Nordic walking is one of the most suitable activities.
Why exercise helps with osteoarthritis
Joint cartilage has no direct blood supply: it is nourished by imbibing synovial fluid during the cyclical compression and decompression of the joint. Immobility deprives the cartilage of this nourishment and accelerates its breakdown. Regular, gentle and repeated movement, on the other hand, is regenerative.
A 30% reduction in joint stress
Nordic walking reduces the pressure on the knees, hips and spine by 30% compared to conventional walking. This figure, measured in biomechanical studies, is explained by the distribution of loads across the four points of contact. For someone with fragile joints, this difference is significant in the long term.
Recommended by the Swiss League Against Rheumatism
The Swiss League Against Rheumatism is among the medical institutions that explicitly recommend Nordic walking for people suffering from osteoarthritis, particularly due to its low impact on the joints and its benefits for the muscles supporting the joints.
Advice for people with osteoarthritis
- Start with very short walks (15 to 20 minutes) on flat ground
- Avoid very uneven terrain or long descents if you have osteoarthritis of the knee
- Always warm up before exercising and stretch afterwards
- If you experience a flare-up of inflammation (hot, swollen joint), wait until the symptoms have subsided before resuming
- Choose poles with a good vibration-damping system
Key points: Nordic walking is recommended for mild to moderate osteoarthritis. It reduces joint stress by 30% and maintains the supporting muscles without aggravating the condition.