Exercise is a vital component when it comes to reducing the amount of joint discomfort and pain associated with arthritis. Many people suffering from arthritis think of exercise as challenging or even hopeless. If you start slowly and only do the exercises that you feel comfortable doing, you will be able to better manage your arthritis while improving your overall level of fitness. Before starting an exercise regimen, seek advice from your doctor to discuss which would be best for you.
Finger Bend
The finger bend exercise is helpful if you have arthritis in your hands and want to increase the range of motion in your joints and improve the strength of your muscles. You can do this exercise daily, and it works best when done several times each day. Begin the exercise by completely relaxing your hand. Straighten your fingers and hold them close together. Bend your fingers at the middle and end joints while keeping your knuckles and wrist straight. Bring your fingers back to their original position in a slow, smooth motion. Perform the exercise with each hand and due multiple repetitions if possible.
Range of Motion
Range of motion exercises provide relief from stiffness in the joints while increasing their ability to move through their normal range of motion. These exercises consist of rolling your shoulders backward and forward, lifting your arms up over your head and any other movements that encourage you to attempt to move your joints through their full range of motion. MayoClinic.com recommends performing these exercises on a daily basis or if the movements are too painful initially, then you can do them every other day instead.
Yoga
Yoga has been used for centuries in Indian cultures due to its spiritual, emotional, psychological and physical benefits, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some yoga poses emphasize stretching of the body, making it a good option for those suffering from arthritis. If you decide to begin yoga as part of your arthritis pain management regimen, you should always warm up beforehand and begin slowly learn what your initial limits are. The UMMC also recommends researching a finding a yoga instructor who specializes in helping those with arthritis learn how to modify traditional yoga poses so you can do them more easily.
