Exercise
Moving is one of the best things to help manage joint pain. Healthcare providers suggest incorporating exercise into the daily routine of a person with arthritis. A good exercise combination is low-impact cardio, such as dancing, cycling, or walking, plus gentle stretching when working out at home.
Moving promotes blood circulation, which is vital in preventing inflammation. Another form of exercise for people with arthritis is aquatic exercise, as the water provides good resistance and increases the intensity of the exercise. On the other hand, the water’s buoyancy supports body weight, effectively easing the pressure placed on the joints.
In a scientific review in 2015, older adults with osteoarthritis joined an aquatic exercise program and experienced a reduction in their body fat. As a result, their coordination and range of motion improved. Moreover, their quality of life and mood changed for the better.
Choose exercises with minimal stress to minimize the risk of injury. The objective is to keep moving and check what physical activities the body can tolerate. For people just starting, perform three to five minutes of gentle exercise twice daily. Then, add more activities as the body adjusts to the physical activities.
