Ease arthritis pain with movement
Moderate exercise, whether aerobic or resistance, can help to reduce swelling in joints, relieve pain, and limit fatigue. By contrast, when joints aren’t used, the cartilage thins and softens, making the joints more vulnerable. By helping to manage body weight, exercise also reduces your chances of developing arthritis in the first place. Being overweight puts people at a much higher risk for arthritis. But shedding as little as 5% of your body weight — that would be about 9 pounds if you weigh 175 —reduces your risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by 50%.
Strength training can make a significant difference to people with many types of arthritis, not just osteoarthritis. Strong muscles help support joints and lessen stress upon them. Strength training, followed by stretching, also enhances flexibility in many joints.
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