Arthritis 101
November 27, 2020
According to the Arthritis Foundation, almost 43 million people in the United States, or one in six people, suffer from some kind of arthritis. Arthritis is usually chronic and can drastically change the lifestyle and freedom of those afflicted with it.
Common Warning Signs of Arthritis:
Morning stiffness lasting 30 minutes or longer
Joint pain or tenderness that is constant or that comes and goes
Not being able to move a joint in the normal way
Redness or warmth in a joint
Weight loss, fever or weakness and joint pain that can't be explained
If you have arthritis, exercising is essential for your general health and pain management. For everyone, exercise:
Helps develop a better sleep pattern
Helps with weight control
Maintains a healthy heart
Increases bone and muscle strength
Decreases depression and fatigue
Serves to improve self-esteem and self-confidence
Exercise is important for healthy joints. Moving your joints daily helps keep them fully mobile. Strengthening the surrounding muscles helps support the joints. Someone with arthritis should focus on 3 different types of exercises that include range of motion, strengthening, and endurance. Focusing on these types of exercise may improve your overall health as well as relieve arthritic pain.