Arthritis
What is arthritis?
There are two main types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It refers to the wear-and-tear of a joint that causes the cartilage covering the end of the bones to gradually wear away. Osteoarthritis usually affects women more than men.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting disease that affects many parts of the body, including joints. It occurs when the immune system malfunctions and produces substances that attack tissues in the joint.
Exercise basics
While arthritis may require you to limit some forms of physical activity, it is vitally important to continue some sort of low-impact exercise program*. Some important elements to include when you exercise:
- Proper posture
- Adequate warm-up (5-10 minutes)
- Gentle stretching
- Deep breathing (never hold your breath)
- Exercise at your own pace
- No jerky or bouncy movements
- Cool-down period
Types of exercise:
- Cardiovascular, for heart health
- Range of motion, for joint mobility
- Strength training, for increased bone density
- Relaxation, to relieve stress
* Always consult your Carilion Clinic physician before beginning an exercise program.
