INFO - Patient information: arthritis and exercise

[Guest guest]

UpToDate.com

Last updated 07 Sep 2007

Author

Maureen R Gecht-Silver, MPH, OTR/L

Alison M Duncombe, PT, OCS, FAAOMPT

Section Editor

RN Maini, BA, MB BChir, FRCP, FMedSci, FRS

Deputy Editor

Leah K Moynihan, RNC, MSN

Jerry M Greene, MD

Patient information: Arthritis and exercise

INTRODUCTION — Exercise is known to have benefits for people with

arthritis. However, many people with arthritis do not exercise, often

because of joint or muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, or joint swelling.

This can lead to loss of joint motion, stiffness, and muscle weakness

and tightness. These problems can worsen fatigue and cause joints to

become unstable.

However, exercise can decrease pain and enhance function and quality

of life. Exercise is most beneficial if it is done on a regular basis.

Most people can find a way to exercise without increasing their

symptoms.

This topic describes the benefits of exercise for people with

arthritis, including disease-specific exercise recommendations.

*******************************************************************

Read the entire article here:

http://www.uptodate.com/patients/content/topic.do?topicKey=~IIIb9AkdXJdpXgZ#14

--

Not an MD