Don’t Let Arthritis Slow You Down

Maintaining a healthy weight and activity level keeps your muscles strong and can prevent you from needing to undergo a joint replacement procedure. However, when your arthritis makes exercising painful, working out can be discouraging.

“Though arthritis pain can make exercising seem impossible, you still have several options,” explains Dr. D. David Ernst, joint replacement surgeon at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron. “Focusing on low-impact exercise options will help keep the wear and tear on your joints to a minimum.”

These exercise options can keep you active and healthy without putting strain on your joints:

• Water Aerobics
  Water workouts are a great way to exercise without the impact of working out on a hard surface. You can walk, jog, or even play sports like water polo and basketball, while preventing joint pain.


• Swimming
  Swimming eases arthritis pain and discomfort because your joints are supported and cushioned by the water.


• Pilates
  Workouts that incorporate Pilates can strengthen your core muscles in a safe and low-impact manner. Pilates has become increasingly popular because it is safe for your joints and can help strengthen muscles and improve body mechanics.


• Weight-Training
  With proper instruction and a few dumbbells, you can get an excellent workout when training with weights. Exercising in this way can help stimulate bone health and strengthen muscles. Make sure to use proper form when lifting so that you do not worsen your condition or pull a muscle.


• Cycling
  Cycling can be stimulating for the cartilage within a joint. This low-impact form of exercise gives you a great cardiovascular and muscular workout and can help loosen your stiff joints.


• Walking
  This is a favorite workout for many people suffering from arthritis. If you want to get the most out of walking, try interval walks (alternate slow and fast walking) and incorporate your arms.

For more information on coping with arthritic symptoms or to schedule an appointment, call the doctors at Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron today at (810) 985-4900. For more health and wellness tips, “like” Orthopedic Associates of Port Huron on Facebook.