Exercise eases arthritis pain, doctor says

Exercise has important health benefits for everyone, regardless of age and physical condition. But for people with arthritis, working out regularly -- and within their limits -- is critical.

Dr. Maria Sosenko, rheumatologist, will talk about treatment options, physical therapy, and lifestyle approaches to manage living with arthritis in a program at Silver Cross Hospital.

The free program, titled "What You Can Do About Arthritis," will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18 in the Silver Cross Hospital Conference Center, 1200 Maple Road, Joliet. To register, call 888-660-4325 or visit www.silvercross.org.

"Routine, moderate exercise offers many benefits to people with arthritis," says Sosenko, a doctor at Silver Cross. "Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness, builds strong muscle around the joints and increases flexibility and stamina."

It also helps promote overall health and fitness by increasing energy, improving sleep, controlling weight and decreasing depression.

The following tips are to help start an exercise program.

Remember to start slowly. Exercises that improve flexibility or stretching exercises that improve range of motion and help in the performance of daily activities are good ones to start an exercise routine. Once comfortable, move on to weight training and endurance workouts, such as cycling, swimming, walking, or yoga. Exercise keeps a person moving when a condition threatens immobilization. Water exercises are good because water buoyancy takes weight off joints. Swimming laps, water walking or jogging, and water aerobics are examples.

Other forms of low-impact workouts that place less stress on joints include yoga, tai chi, and cycling, as well as using cross-country ski simulators or elliptical trainers. Cross training helps prevent overuse injuries, keeps a program fresh and contributes to better training for muscles.

Weight training isn't just for bodybuilders and athletes. Strong muscles around joints help take pressure off cartilage and bone. Options for resistance training include free weights, machines or elastic tubing.

It's crucial to use proper techniques when strength training, and moves must be tailored to a specific condition. A doctor or physical therapist can design a strength program that offers the most benefit with the least possible joint irritation.