Getting Pain Relief From Arthritis

Arthritis doesn't mean you can't do the things you want to do, it just means you might have to find a different way of doing them.

The pain, the stiffness, especially at night, sometimes it may seem like you are going to have to change your lifestyle because of your arthritis. But you may not have to. If you can exercise and keep fit, you may be able to keep some forms of arthritis under control, particularly osteoarthritis - a wear and tear disorder. We have some advice on how to get started below:

You should minimize physical stress by choosing low-impact activities, like swimming and walking, particularly when you first start your exercise program. You shouldn't do just one thing. You may get bored and stop. Alternate between the various exercises.

Warm up, Cool down
When you workout you must always warm up before you start with some range-of-motion or light aerobic activity. This can help loosen up your muscles and it will get your heart and breathing up and ready for some harder work. Similarly, after you exercise, a cool down period will minimize the aches or pains of a good workout.

Aerobics
A longer, easy paced aerobic exercise is not only safer, but also more effective than short bursts of strenuous exercise. Exercise with a friend. It will help both of you actually commit to working out. If you can't carry on a conversation, you know you are breathing too hard and should take it a little easier.

Don't get discouraged
Set realistic goals for yourself, particularly if you have never really worked out before. Remember, you are not alone. About 1 in every 10 Canadians suffers from some type of arthritis.