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