What To Do

Living with Arthritis

Consult a Physician

Often, patients with pain in their bones and joints assume they have arthritis. There are many different causes of joint pain, many of which are not related to arthritis. Always consult a physician for a diagnosis of your condition. Your physician will evaluate your condition, determine if it is arthritis or another condition that is causing your joint pain. He will then give you a diagnosis, explain your treatment options, and arrange a plan for your care.

Exercise

Moderate activities such as walking and swimming are great ways to keep your bones strong and your joints flexible. Exercise is an important part of arthritis treatment. Moderate exercise will not wear out your joints, but always consult your physician before starting any exercise program.

Strengthening

Joint swelling and pain caused by arthritis can make muscles weak. Weak muscles can in turn increase the instability of your joints and increase your pain and disability from osteoarthritis. When necessary, a physical therapist or your physician can develop a program to strengthen your muscles. Strong muscles help protect you from injury by absorbing shock and supporting your joints. Research has shown that strengthening hip, knee and ankle muscles helps to improve balance and independence.

Stretching

Stretching helps to increase the flexibility of joints. Flexibility allows for comfortable movement during exercise and other daily activities. Proper motion of your joints helps your cartilage stay healthy. If appropriate, your physician or physical therapist can develop a stretching program that can be done on a daily basis.

Aquatic Therapy

Many people find that aquatic therapy is an excellent form of exercise for managing arthritis and pain. Water resists movement which allows for strengthening of your muscles. Aquatic therapy is also a great option because the water’s buoyancy allows you to move with minimal impact to your joints. Consult you physician about starting aquatic therapy classes.

Walking

Endurance is also an important aspect of exercise for people with arthritis. Walking is an excellent way to get this form of work-out. Make sure to ask your physician for any recommendations or guidelines before beginning any walking routine.

Can you exercise too much?

Muscle soreness can be expected when starting a new exercise program. However, joint paint should not last beyond a few hours after exercise. If swelling of your joints, abnormal fatigue, constant pain or decreased range of motion of your joints occurs you may want to scale back your activity level and consult your physician.
To begin...

• Develop an individualized exercise program with a healthcare professional.
• Get a plan in place and set some goals.
• Make exercise a part of your daily routine.
• Even on days when you experience more pain, keep active as best you can.
• Take an exercise class that suites your level of fitness.
• Vary your exercise routine.
• Monitor your progress.
• Get a friend to join you.

Change your Activities

Helpful tips

Follow these guidelines to reduce strain on your joints by improving your body mechanics:

• Stand up straight/don’t slouch.
• Sit in chairs with firm seats and a straight back. Avoid sitting in low/deep chairs to reduce stress on your knees, hips and back.
• To avoid stiff joints, get up and move around once an hour when sitting for long periods of time.
• Avoid high impact activities (e.g. running, jumping).
• Limit climbing (e.g. stairs, hills, etc.).

Weight Management

To keep your joints healthy it is important to maintain your ideal body weight. Excess weight puts more stress on your weight-bearing joints, which can make your arthritic symptoms worse. Consult your physician about a weight-loss program suited to your needs.