| Recent studies have shown that exercise may | | | | You should also be aware that your doctor may |
| actually help people with arthritis in a number of | | | | decide to refer you to a physical therapist. A |
| ways. It can reduce joint pain and stiffness. It can | | | | therapist with experience in arthritis can design an |
| increase flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. | | | | appropriate home exercise program and teach |
| And it can also help with weight reduction and | | | | you about pain-relief methods, proper body |
| contribute to an improved sense of well-being. | | | | mechanics, joint protection, and conserving |
| Most comprehensive arthritis treatment plans | | | | energy. |
| should include an exercise regiment. Rest and | | | | So what's the best way to get going? |
| relaxation, proper diet, medication, and instruction | | | | First, always first, discuss your exercise plans with |
| about proper use of joints and ways to conserve | | | | your doctor. |
| energy (that is, not to waste motion), as well as | | | | Next, start with supervision from a physical |
| the use of pain relief methods should also be | | | | therapist or a qualified athletic trainer. |
| included in treatment plans. | | | | Apply heat to sore joints. |
| What types of exercises are best for people with | | | | Stretch and warm up with range-of-motion |
| arthritis? Try these three: | | | | exercises. |
| Range-of-motion exercises to help maintain normal | | | | Start strengthening exercises slowly with small |
| joint movement, relieve stiffness, and increase | | | | weights (a 1 or 2 pound weight can make a big |
| flexibility. | | | | difference). |
| Strengthening exercises to help keep or increase | | | | Progress slowly. |
| muscle strength. Strong muscles help support and | | | | Use cold packs after exercising. |
| protect joints affected by arthritis. | | | | Add aerobic exercise. |
| Aerobic or endurance exercises to improve | | | | Ease off if joints become painful, inflamed, or red |
| cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and | | | | and work with your doctor to find the cause and |
| improve overall function. Weight control can be | | | | eliminate it. |
| important to people who have arthritis because | | | | Like any exercise program, choose a program |
| extra weight puts extra pressure on joints. | | | | you enjoy and make it a habit. |
| As always, people with arthritis should discuss | | | | Range-of-motion exercises should be done at |
| their options with their doctors before starting on | | | | least every other day. Strengthening exercises |
| an exercise program. Easy, range-of-motion | | | | also should be done at least every other day |
| exercises and low-impact aerobics are generally a | | | | unless you have severe pain or swelling in your |
| good way to get started. And make sure to ask | | | | joints. Endurance exercises should be done for 20 |
| your doctor about any sports or exercise | | | | to 30 minutes three times a week unless you |
| programs in which you currently participate. Some | | | | have severe pain or swelling in your joints. |
| programs may do more harm than good. | | | | |