Don’t Let Arthritis Slow You Down: Modern Strategies for Staying Active

If you’re one of the 58 million US adults with arthritis, you’ve likely changed your routine to accommodate symptoms like pain and stiffness. For example, you may have stopped exercising or avoided certain activities that worsen how you feel.

This is a normal reaction to living with arthritis, but if you aren’t careful, slowing down can worsen your symptoms. 

At The Center for Primary Care and Sports Medicine in Aurora, Illinois, board-certified family medicine physician Lawrence Kacmar, MD, regularly treats people with arthritis. In this blog, he explains why movement is so important for symptom management and offers several simple strategies for staying active. 

Why movement matters for arthritis

When your joints are stiff and aching, the last thing you want to do is go for a run or do strength training. However, if you choose the right types of exercise, regular movement can:

• Reduce joint stiffness
• Strengthen muscles that support the joints
• Improve flexibility and range of motion
• Support your overall health

The key is finding physical activities that align with the severity of your symptoms and fitness level. If what you’ve been doing to address your arthritis hasn’t been working, a more modern approach can help you maintain an active lifestyle and support ongoing joint health.

Strategies for staying active with arthritis

Here are a few things you can do to make movement easier, despite living with arthritis:

1. Choose low-impact activities

Many people assume that exercise is only effective if it’s high-intensity, but that isn’t necessarily the case. Low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, and yoga can be just as beneficial as jumping rope or going for a run.

Lower-impact exercises may not elevate your heart rate as quickly or to the same intensity as high-impact exercise. However, they can still improve circulation, increase range of motion, and make it easier to move comfortably, whether you’re climbing stairs or taking your dog for a walk. 

2. Work with a physical therapist

If you’ve never had a consistent exercise routine or you’re new to exercise, knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. Arthritis symptoms, such as joint pain and stiffness can make getting started even more challenging.

Partnering with a physical therapist can take some of the pressure off. An experienced professional can make personalized exercise recommendations and teach you specific techniques to reduce strain on your affected joints. 

3. Take advantage of other treatment options

Low-impact exercise can make it easier to stay active with arthritis, but it isn’t always enough to provide noticeable relief from pain and stiffness. The good news is that complementary treatments can often assist. These include:

• Joint injections
• Non-drug treatment of medical ailments — such as braces, splints, or orthotics — to take pressure off of arthritic joints
• Medically supervised weight management

After a physical exam, a discussion of your symptoms, and diagnostic imaging when needed, Dr. Kacmar can develop a treatment plan that helps you feel your best.

Manage your arthritis more effectively

If you’ve been diagnosed with arthritis and feel your current treatment plan isn’t providing enough relief, it’s time for a more modern approach. We can evaluate your regimen and make targeted adjustments so your arthritis doesn’t slow you down. 

Contact The Center for Primary Care and Sports Medicine today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kacmar. You can call our office or book online.