How Exercise Helps to Relieve Arthritis

The benefits of exercising-

The truth is people with arthritis should exercise frequently to help manage arthritis pain.Whilst you may still need medication, supportive braces, and other modes of treatment for your arthritis, exercise canalso be an integral part to any arthritis treatment plan.

Exercise can improve your arthritis symptoms by:
Reducing joint stiffness which will therefore reduce pain,
Keeping joints and muscles flexible,
Strengthening muscles surrounding the joint for better support,
Strengthening bones and cartilage in the joints,
Keeping you fit and healthy,
Improving your emotional health, managing stress, and combating depression associated with arthritis,
Losing extra pounds that can contribute to arthritis pain.

Starting an exercise routine has many benefits, both immediate and long-term. Regular exercise will not only help you feel healthier overallbut it can keep arthritis symptoms at bay. Exercise can also help with the inflammation and joint stiffness meaning that symptoms can be managed on a long term basis.

How to exercise with arthritis-

The important thing to keep in mind when starting up an exercise programme is that everyone is different.  Just because an exercise is suitable for someone with arthritis it does not mean that that particular exercise is right for you.  If a particular exercise does not work for you and is causing more pain then stop and try something different.Exercise can be broken down into three types meaning that if one particular exercise is not working for you then another exercise from that category can be easily implemented into your routine.  Ensuring that you include a variety of these types of exercise is the best way to improve joint health and reduce arthritis pain.

Simple resistance exercises such as squats, abdominal crunches or hamstring stretchs can helpstretch and strengthen muscles. These particular types of exercises can be done whilst standing, lying on the floor, or sitting in a chair which will enable you to exercise even when your symptoms are at their worst.Cardiovascular exercises such as swimming, walking or biking canboost heart health and lung capacity, and make you work up a sweat. Swimming can be a great exercise when you have arthritis due to the fact it is a low-impact exercise making all the movements easy on the joints.It is important to also to undertake range-of-motion exercises such as simple stretches or even yoga.  This will helpthe flexibility and movement of stiff joints.

When your arthritis is at its worst, don’t force your joints to do more than they are able to do but don’t stop with your exercising all together either.  Undertaking simple range-or-motion exercises will stretch out the affected joint making it feel less stiff. As you start to feel better you can work your way back up to your normal exercise regime as and when you feel able.