People with arthritis should discuss exercise options with their doctors and other health care providers. Most doctors recommend exercise for their patients. Many people with arthritis begin with easy, range-of-motion exercises and low-impact aerobics. People with arthritis can participate in a variety of, but not all, sports and exercise programs. The doctor will know which, if any, sports are off-limits.
The doctor may have suggestions about how to get started or may refer the patient to a physical therapist. It is best to find a physical therapist who has experience working with people who have arthritis. The therapist will design an appropriate home exercise program and teach clients about pain-relief methods, proper body mechanics (placement of the body for a given task, such as lifting a heavy box), joint protection, and conserving energy.
Step Up to Exercise: How To Get Started!
* Discuss exercise plans with your doctor.
* Start with supervision from a physical therapist or qualified athletic trainer.
* Apply heat to sore joints (optional; many people with arthritis start their exercise program this way).
* Stretch and warm up with range-of-motion exercises.
* Start strengthening exercises slowly with small weights (a 1- or 2-pound weight can make a big difference).
* Progress slowly.
* Use cold packs after exercising (optional; many people with arthritis complete their exercise routine this way).
* Add aerobic exercise.
* Consider appropriate recreational exercise (after doing range-of-motion, strengthening, and aerobic exercise). Fewer injuries to joints affected by arthritis occur during recreational exercise if it is preceded by range-of-motion, strengthening, and aerobic exercise that gets your body in the best condition possible.
* Ease off if joints become painful, inflamed, or red, and work with your doctor to find the cause and eliminate it.
* Choose the exercise program you enjoy most and make it a habit.
How Much Exercise Is Too Much?
Most experts agree that if exercise causes pain that lasts for more than 1 hour, it is too strenuous. People with arthritis should work with their physical therapist or doctor to adjust their exercise program when they notice any of the following signs of strenuous exercise:
* Unusual or persistent fatigue
* Increased weakness
* Decreased range of motion
* Increased joint swelling
* Continuing pain (pain that lasts more than 1 hour after exercising)
The above information has been provided with the kind permission of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/arthritis/arthexfs.htm).
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