Exercise with Arthritis

It is difficult to think exercise when you suffer from chronic pain as you do in arthritis. Yet regular exercise not only helps maintain joint function, but also relieves stiffness and decreases pain and fatigue.

Try these tips for exercise if you suffer from the pain of Arthritis:

• Avoid exercise at the time of day when stiffness is worse.
• Apply heat to sore joints or take a warm bath or shower.
• Cold packs to painful joints after exercise may help.
• Remember to stretch and try slow motion exercises such as yoga, tai chi, walking, swimming etc.
• Cut back on duration and intensity if pain becomes worse.
• Listen to your body; do not push beyond your limit.
• Combine good nutrition, exercise, healthy body weight, and medications when necessary to live healthy with arthritis.

Source: Harvard Health Publishing