Exercising to Treat Arthritis

Arthritis can make even simple activities, like chopping vegetables, almost impossible. With the help of diet and medication, exercise is not only possible, but also highly recommended to keep joints in good shape.

Arthritis can cause people to become completely inactive because of the severe pain and swelling associated with the condition. This can have a significant impact on overall health including weight gain and muscle loss.

Benefits of Exercise for Arthritis Sufferers

Talking with your doctor is recommended before beginning any exercise program, but it is vital for arthritis sufferers. Your doctor will help you create a program tailored to your specific needs. Exercises for endurance, range of motion and strength can help relieve symptoms of arthritis and help you avoid further joint damage.

Each of the three exercise types is important, but how much of each exercise you are able to accomplish will vary based on your individual fitness level. Your doctor will be able to help you create a routine that is right for you.

Range of Motion Exercises

Arthritis sufferers often keep their joints bent to avoid the pain associated with their condition. Even though it is more comfortable in the short term, keeping joints bent in one position for too long can cause loss of mobility.

Range of motion exercises help to keep joints functioning properly by increasing flexibility. These exercises are also an important part of stretching and warming up before strength training.

Flexibility training examples from the National Institutes of Health .

Strength Exercises

Many people avoid strength training exercises because of the pain associated with arthritis. However, strengthening your muscles can help keep your joints comfortable and protect them from potential damage.

If lifting weights isn’t your thing, hydrotherapy is a great option. These exercises are performed in a pool. They are easier on joints because the water’s buoyancy takes weight off stiff, swollen joints and creates resistance to strengthen muscles.

Strength training examples from the National Institutes of Health

Hydrotherapy training examples from the Mayo Clinic

Endurance Exercises

Endurance exercises get your heart rate up for an extended period of time. Aerobic activity helps your heart and lungs oxygenate your blood and builds strong muscles. It can also help with the weight gain sometimes associated with arthritis.

It is recommended that arthritis sufferers aim to perform endurance exercises for at least 30 minutes per day, three days a week. If pain prevents 30 minutes of continuous activity, it can be spread out throughout the day to suit your fitness level.

These exercises can be performed during or after hydrotherapy sessions. Many arthritis sufferers find that the swimming pool is the best place to get all of their exercise for the week because it is easier on stiff joints. Whatever endurance exercise routine you choose, be sure to allow time for warming up your muscles before each workout.

Endurance training examples from the National Institutes of Health