Arthritis is the time-dependent destruction of joints. You can do orthopedic exercises for yourself at home – and reduce your arthritis pain! The following exercises for arthritis help patients to become stronger and more flexible while increasing endurance and balance.

Stronger muscles can act as ‘shock absorbers’ for your joints (just like the shocks in a truck). By lifting something heavier than the joint itself, you can improve strength. This can often be done using just your own body weight.

Sample Exercise: Squats

To build the strength of your quadriceps (thigh muscle), you can do simple squats out of a chair:

1. Sit in a chair
2. Lean forward
3. Stand up

For a variation that strengthens the same muscles, you can lean against a wall with knees slightly bent. Hold this position for 10 seconds, stand up, rest a bit, and repeat!

Everyone knows stretching is good for our bodies, but many think of Cirque-de-Soliel when discussing flexibility. Even a small increase in stretching can prevent orthopedic problems like arthritis from progressing and can help the pain. It can be done whenever you think about it. A good stretch begins by moving the joint to a position where you feel that it has been stretched, hold for 10 seconds, and then push very slightly more. Heating before stretching and then icing afterward helps, as well.

Sample Exercise: Hip and Knee Stretch

You may only be able to reach your knees when you begin; even moving to the mid-calf will be great for arthritis in the hips and knees.

1. Sit on the floor and reach for your toes until you feel a comfortable stretch.
2. Hold for 10 seconds
3. Push very slightly more into the stretch
4. Release

Sample Exercise: Walk

The impact of running will negatively affect your arthritic joints, but walking will not and actually helps the joints. Walking for 20-30 minutes at least three times a week is recommended.

Balance involves the ability to maintain one position for a long time without falling. It is a variation of endurance and improves with better strength and flexibility. Balance is very important for joints as it allows for the even distribution of weight. When weight is evenly distributed then cartilage is not as easily damaged (causing orthopedic ailments such as arthritis). Yoga and tai-chi are both good ways to improve balance and reduce the rates of hip and wrist fractures.

Sample Exercise: Tree Pose (Yoga)

1. Stand on one leg
2. Place the sole of the other foot on the standing calf
3. Focus on a spot on the wall and hold still
4. Leave the toe of the other foot on the ground and place the heel against the ankle

By doing these few simple exercises in a short amount of time at home, you can gain relief from the pain and discomfort of arthritis. By incorporating this routine and other simple exercises (as recommended by your physical therapist or orthopedic doctor) into a regular, daily routine, you can experience greater strength, endurance, and flexibility for improved health and movement!

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