Doctors and therapists also know specific exercises for particularly painful joints. There may be exercises that are off-limits for people with a particular type of arthritis or when joints are swollen and inflamed. People with arthritis should discuss theirexercise plans with a doctor. Most experts agree that if exercise causes pain that lasts for more than 1 hour, it is too much. It is appropriate to put joints gently through their full range of motion once a day, with periods of rest, during acute systemic flares or local joint flares.
Patients can talk to their doctor about how much rest is best duringgeneral or joint flares.
This is the major voluntary organization devoted to arthritis. The Foundation also can provide physician and clinic referrals. How To Get Started Discuss exercise plans with your doctor. Start with supervision from a physical therapist or qualified athletic trainer. Add aerobic exercise.