Other parts of your treatment may include rest and relaxation, a healthy diet, medication, being taught how to conserve energy and protect your joints from undue stress, and pain relief methods. They help maintain normal joint movement and relieve stiffness, as well as maintaining or increasing flexibility. Strengthening exercises can be done with small free weights, exercise machines, and elastic bands. They also include resistive water exercises and isometrics. This type of exercises helps maintain or increase muscle strength.
Stronger muscles benefit people with arthritis because they help support and protect joints.
Aerobic or endurance exercises improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall function. Controlling your weight may be important if you have arthritis, because extra weight puts pressure on many joints. Some studies show that aerobic exercise can reduce inflammation in some joints. Most people with arthritis can participate in a variety of sports and exercise programs, but not all of them. Before deciding to perform any of these or other types of exercises, see your doctor for advice and recommendations specific to your individual situation.