Positive Effects of Sport on Joint Health and Joint Pain

Joints are the center of movement of the musculoskeletal system that enable our movements. We have over three hundred joints. Their shapes are different. In terms of structure, it is divided into two groups as those with and without joint membranes.

Those with membranes are our joints in the arms and legs. There are also joints with membranes in the spine. There is no joint space in the joints formed by the discs in the spine. The space is filled with discs. Therefore, movement is less in this region. Discs usually carry the load. They are in hyaline cartilage form. In joints surrounded by articular membranes, cartilage sits on the sides of the bones facing the joint. The lubricity of these surfaces is provided by liquid. It contains hyaluronic acid. Cartilage, on the other hand, consists of cells, water, proteoglycans, and collagen. Additionally, there are inorganic substances. The medium outside the cells is known as the matrix.

Joint movement sticks to the muscles. There are over six hundred muscles. Muscles have the properties of contraction, separation, stretching and strength building. There are muscles that work opposite to each other and that help each other and work in harmony with each other. Movement of the joints occurs with the movement of the muscles.

Regular movements of the joints are body movements. They are also known as physical activities. Regular movements that have systematic and programmed goals called “sports”. It is made for a specific function. If a single movement is made to stay healthy or treat the disease, it is called "Therapeutic Exercise".

Sport provides health for the body. It provides physical, spiritual, and social well-being. It contributes to all systems of the body. Especially the cardiovascular, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems benefit the most. Food intake of the joints is ensured with sports activities. Since cartilages have no vessels and nerves, nutrition occurs through diffusion-leakage. Therefore, daily movements and sports are important.

The most ideal sports are walking and swimming. Sports that require contact can damage the body due to a trauma.

Half-hour brisk walks every day are important for muscle-bone-joint and cardiovascular health. It is recommended to be outdoors. Attention should be paid to clothing and suitable floor. It can be done in the morning or evening.

In summary, doing sports and exercise are indispensable for maintaining joint health and treatment of the disease. It should be done regularly and in accordance with the rules. It should not be forgotten to take supplements to support joint health.

Prof. Dr. Halil Koyuncu