Painful or swollen joints should be moved gently, however. Strengthening and endurance activities are also recommended, but should be limited or avoided during flares. Arthritis patients should consult their doctors before starting an exercise program, and begin gradually. Exercises must be individualized to work the right muscles while avoiding overstressing affected joints. Doctors or physical therapists can teach proper ways to move.
Muscle strength is especially important because strong muscles better support and protect joints.
Joints will probably hurt during exercise, but shouldn't still hurt several hours later. Sometimes people have to be reminded to slow down and listen to their disease. Support and Education Support groups and arthritis education can help people learn how to listen to their disease, and cope with it. Calif. Four years after a short Arthritis Self-Management Program, participants still reported significantly less pain and made fewer physician visits, even though disability increased.