QA Forum

Question & Answer

We are discussing The Self Management of Arthritis
With Graeme Rossiter, Elizabeth Scrivener and Sally Ranford

Question:
My GP and other health professionals I see tell me that because I have Arthritis I need to exercise, but my condition is very painful and I am scared to injure myself further if I exercise.

Answer:
Elizabeth - If you have arthritis you must find the right balance between exercise and rest. Careful attention to rest, exercise and the way we hold our joints is an important part of the management of arthritis. Rest is often needed to settle an inflamed joint or in a general flare-up, but too much rest will weaken muscles and increase stiffness.

The right sort of exercise can help considerably with your arthritis. Among other things it can decrease pain, strengthen muscles, strengthen bones and minimise osteoporosis, maintain and increase joint movement and increase heart and lung fitness.

There are three main types of exercise which can help – Mobility, Strengthening and Fitness.
Talk with your local Arthritis Foundation or health professional about the exercise options in your area. Exercise should be fun, so find a way of exercising your body that you enjoy, for example, swimming, walking, dancing, fitness classes, hydrotherapy (warm water exercise) aquarobics, yoga and tai chi. Or why not be adventurous and try croquet?

View answer to: prev question | next question