When you have arthritis, exercise is an important part in staying healthy and active. It helps decrease fatigue, increase strength and flexibility, and reduce joint pain. Moderate exercise can not only improve joint pain but also help you maintain a healthy weight.
Your exercise program should be matched to your goals. Before starting, understand your limits and what type of program will best meet your needs. Then talk to your physician to see how exercise can best fit into your current treatment plan. He may recommend that you meet with a physical therapist to determine your specific exercise and joint protection needs.
Stretching and flexibility exercises
The purpose of stretching and flexibility exercises is to help relieve joint stiffness and increase the ability to move joints in their normal range of motion. Your physical therapist will provide you with specific exercises and instruct you on how often to do them. These exercises can be done at home, in the gym, or in a pool and can help to warm up your body for other exercises that may be more strenuous.
Strengthening exercises
The purpose of these exercises will be to build muscles so that they can better support and protect your joints. Weight and resistance training are just two examples designed to help accomplish these goals. These movements should only be done every other day and your therapist will help you design the best program for you.
Aerobic exercises
These movements are designed to help you control your weight and build up stamina. They include walking, swimming, riding a stationary bike and even water aerobics.
Don’t give up. If you’ve tried exercise in the past, and were unsuccessful, try picking activities which can easily work into your day or find an exercise partner; it always helps to have someone provide encouragement. In addition, check out area hospitals, clinics and health clubs for programs tailored to people with arthritis, since they often offer these special classes.
Don’t overdo it
If you haven’t been active in a while, you may notice some pain after exercise. If pain lasts longer than an hour after you have exercised, you’ve probably overdone it. Call your physician if pain persists more than a few days.
Staying active after knee replacement surgery
People fear that total knee replacement may keep them from participating in their favorite activities. However it’s one of the most successful procedures in modern medicine. It’s important to note, as well, that regular physical activity helps you regain strength, flexibility and endurance after knee replacement surgery. You may need to avoid certain activities and take special precautions.
Your orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist will help you decide when you’re able to participate in different approved activities. During any approved activity, please remember:
- Do not engage in activities that will produce pain in your knee, even if it occurs after completing the activity. Be mindful to adjust the intensity of your exercise accordingly so you will stay within a comfortable range.
- Don’t jar the knee.
- Don’t place the knee in the extremes of your range of motion.
- Don’t participate in any exercise that has been restricted by your doctor.
- Always check with your doctor before engaging in an exercise for the first time. Find out which are high-risk exercises or not recommended as part of your exercise plan.
General travel tips
Traveling can be a challenge if you have arthritis or have undergone knee replacement surgery. Here are some travel tips that could make your travel or vacation more enjoyable.
- Advance preparations are important for any trip. Be realistic about what activities you are safely able to do.
- Evaluate vacation tours carefully to see if it is right for you and research the amenities, transportation and lodging options offered in the vacation tour. This can be done either through the Internet or with your travel agent.
- If you need wheelchair assistance when booking air travel reservations, request that with the airline when the trip is booked.
- Take along your Joint Replacement Patient ID Card if you’ve had knee replacement surgery. This will identify you as someone with metal implants and is important for airport metal detector clearance.
- Carry more medication than you think you’ll need just in case you happen to extend your trip.
- Travel with a brief medical history of yourself, including a list of your prescriptions and your physician’s name and phone number.
- Only use luggage with wheels and only take items on the plane that you’ll need in-flight.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Relax, enjoy and don’t over do it!
