Is It Safe To Exercise With Arthritis?


 

With rheumatoid arthritis, you need to be careful not to aggravate a joint that is flaring up. If your shoulder is sore, you may want to walk, and if your ankles are swollen and inflamed, swimming or biking might be a better alternative. For wear-and-tear arthritis that damages the cartilage in your joints, it is usually safe to exercise as long as you start slowly.

The general benefits of exercise are well-known, but for osteoarthritis sufferers, it is especially helpful in reducing the stiffness, swelling, and pain that accompanies this condition. By increasing your muscle strength and flexibility, your joints function better and you can move freely. When you do aerobic exercise that gets your heart and circulation going, it helps maintain a good weight and lessen the stress on your joints, while also protecting against heart disease. And best of all, you will sleep better at night. Who wouldn’t want that?

Call Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center in Wheat Ridge, CO, at (303) 423-2520 for more tips on exercising with arthritis.

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