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Arthritis
Arthritis literally means inflammation of a joint. The most common form is
osteoarthritis which is a degenerative disease characterized by a progressive
loss of cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis, a less common form of the disease,
causes the inner linings of the joints to become inflamed. The disease can cause
pain, stiffness and swelling in joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones.
Arthritis exercise can be a key treatment option for people who are coping
with the disease. Proper arthritis exercises can reduce stiffness and improve
flexibility in the affected areas.
Range of motion exercises such as dance and stretching can be very beneficial
to people suffering from arthritis but it is important to take things slowly
and not to push the body to the point of discomfort. Stretching exercises can
be done each day to help improve flexibility.
Strengthening exercises like weight training can also help sufferers of arthritis
but these should be done no more than three times per week so that the muscles
have time to recover between workouts. It is important to take at least one
day off in between strengthening exercise sessions. For arthritis sufferers
the goal of weight training should be to build strength and tone in the muscles
around the joints to prevent further damage, not to build huge muscles. Strength
training exercises can be done with weights or resistance bands.
Low impact cardiovascular or aerobic exercises like bicycling, swimming or
walking can be integrated into arthritis exercise routines as well. These exercises
should be done three to five days a week, but very low impact cardio exercises
like walking can be done everyday. The idea is to help arthritis sufferers to
improve their physical fitness and control their weight. Extra weight can put
pressure on the joints and some studies show that aerobic exercise can reduce
inflammation in some joints.
Anyone with arthritis should consult a physician before beginning an exercise
program.
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