According to information provided by Mark Deysher, St. Francis Medical Center physical therapist, “Exercise can’t prevent arthritis, but it can help keep the joints healthy.” Exercise will help strengthen the muscles which assist in joint support, help improve range of motion and increase overall functional ability. Exercise is also listed by The American College of Rheumatology (2012 guidelines) as one of the leading treatments for arthritis of the hip and knee. Weighing in are advocates from the American College of Sports Medicine and American Heart Association. Their research suggests that as little as 30 minutes of low-impact exercise performed five days/week will help you stay healthy, improve leg strength and increase the overall health of the hip and knee.
Low-Impact Activities Include:
- Walking / Hiking (outdoors or on a treadmill)
- Biking (outdoor or on a stationary bike)
- Using an Elliptical Machine
- Swimming / Water Aerobics
- Low-Impact Exercise Classes
- Using a Stair Master™ or Stationary Stepper
Other exercise modalities useful for individuals suffering from arthritis include: Yoga, Pilates, Core Conditioning and Tai Chi. These types of non-impact exercises can also assist with range of motion, strength, balance, core stability and muscle tone.