Can Exercise Help Arthritis?

In the last few years, I've been feeling a little creaky when I get up in the morning. But I've also noticed that once I start moving – and keep moving – the pain in my joints goes away. That creakiness I feel (and you probably do too) is arthritis, which is exacerbated by aging, excess weight, joint injuries and stresses on your joints from certain job or athletic activities.

There are thousands of arthritis cures out there and very few are backed up by evidence.  If you're only mildly affected, which is the case with me, one of the best treatments is exercise. Target the parts of your body that seem to need help. In my case, that vulnerable area would be my ankles, which I've injured several times in the past. I've been doing leg exercises that help a lot.

Activities like yoga, Pilates or tai chi help your range of motion, flexibility and muscle strength. These are especially useful in the morning when you are feeling those creaks.

Swimming is also an excellent exercise for people with arthritis. I've tried a couple of water aerobics classes – you truly feel no pain in the water.

Before you start any exercise program to deal with your arthritis, talk to you doctor and he or she can recommend a physical therapist who can design a program that works for you.