It can make you stiff or sore for a short time, but it is unlikely to cause lasting problems. The key is to start slowly, build up gradually, and do it regularly. Emotions such as depression, worry, and fatigue can also increase pain. By the same token, your mind can also be a tool to reduce pain. By trying measures like these, people with arthritis can break a cycle in which pain, inactivity, and emotions like depression and anxiety all feed into each other.
Confidence is key to doing all three.
Add endurance exercise such as walking or biking for 5 minutes 2 or 3 times a day. Ease off if joints become painful, inflamed, or red and work with your doctor to find the cause and eliminate it. The Arthritis Foundation is the major voluntary organization devoted to arthritis.