Arthritis and Exercise

Should people with arthritis exercise? Is exercise beneficial or harmful for those who suffer from this painful disease that causes stiffness and swelling of joints and other connective tissues?

Doctors are unanimous in their opinion that people with arthritis can and should exercise. It is a well-known fact that exercise makes one healthy and fit and this holds true for arthritis-afflicted people. Exercise not only lessens joint pain and stiffness but also increases flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. In fact, it is believed that being inactive may aggravate the arthritis condition. However, patients with arthritis cannot do all kinds of exercises. They need to follow an exercise program regimen that will help them reduce the pain and stiffness.

Recommended exercises for arthritis:

Broadly there are three major exercises that will help those suffering from arthritis:

• Range-of-motion exercises - Basically these exercises are meant to maintain normal joint movement and reduce stiffness. This type of exercise helps maintain or increase flexibility. Do them daily if you can otherwise do them at least every other day.
• Strengthening exercises - As the name suggests, these help to increase muscle strength that is very important in supporting and protecting joints affected by arthritis.
• Aerobic exercises - These exercises are aimed at improving cardiovascular fitness, weight management and enhancing overall fitness. Weight is an important player in this pain game because excess weight increases the pressure on joints leading to more pain. However, aerobics can help in reducing joint inflammation. Walking, swimming and bicycling are good aerobic exercises. Even daily activities such as walking your dog are recommended.

Getting started

Always consult your doctor before starting out. It is a good idea to start with low impact aerobics and then gradually increase the pace depending upon your condition. Keep the following in mind before exercising:

• Apply heat to sore joints to start an exercise program.
• Always warm up by doing some light stretching.
• Start strengthening exercises slowly with small weights and keep increasing with time.
• Stop the exercise if joints become painful, inflamed, or red and check with your doctor to find the cause and eliminate it.

The best exercise program is the one that you enjoy and will be able to continue for a long time.
Caveat: Do not over train

Although exercise is an important part of curing arthritis it too has to done in limits. Stop immediately when you experience any of the following signs:

• Unusual or persistent fatigue
• Increased weakness
• Decreased range of motion
• Increased joint swelling
• Continuing pain

Exercise may appear to be painful in the beginning. However, it is an integral part of the arthritis treatment and with a bit of effort and persistence you will be able to do it. Remember slow and steady wins the race!