If you have arthritis, your doctor may recommend various types of exercise to help you manage your condition. The Arthritis Foundation recommends checking with your doctor, as well as a physical therapist, before beginning any exercise routine. An appropriate routine will allow you to experience the benefits of exercising with arthritis while also protecting you from joint injury.
Benefits
Exercising when you have arthritis can help you stay healthy and may help alleviate some of your symptoms. Strengthening the muscles around your joints can give you the strength and energy necessary to get through your normal daily activities. Exercise can help your bones stay strong and can help you lose or maintain your weight, putting less stress on your joints. It can also keep you flexible, help you sleep better and make you feel better about yourself.
Types
Flexibility exercises, such as yoga and tai chi, gently stretch your muscles and should be performed each day. These can also serve as a warm-up before you move on to other exercises. Isotonic strengthening exercises allow you to strengthen muscles without moving your joints. These are good for making the muscles around your joints stronger, which allows them to better protect the joints. Aerobic, or cardiovascular, exercise gets your heart and lungs working and adds to your overall health.
Warnings
During an arthritis flare-up, you may not be able to keep up with your normal exercise regimen. If you experience warmth and swelling of a joint, you should rest it and contact your doctor for advice. He may advise still doing your flexibility exercises but not strengthening or cardiovascular exercises. Never stretch your joints to the point of causing pain, and if you take a class, let the instructor know you have arthritis.
Tips
Many people think exercising with arthritis puts you at risk for injury and more pain. MayoClinic.com stresses that this is not true and that avoiding exercise can contribute to joint stiffness and pain. Working out in a warm room may help with flexibility and range of motion. Swimming is an especially effective exercise for those with arthritis because it is non-impact and easy to do.
