Preventing pain - Health & Medicine

American Fitness, March-April, 2002

For many years it was thought people with arthritis should not exercise because it would damage their joints. Now we know people with arthritis can actually improve their health and fitness through exercise.

"Not only is [regular] exercise the best way to prevent pain from arthritis, but those who exercise regularly also recover quicker from arthritic pain," says Nayan Patel, M.D., with the Texas Back Institute. The most effective activities are low-impact, aerobic exercise, such as aquatics or stationary bicycle."

Exercise can:

* Keep joints moving.

* Keep muscles around the joints strong.

* Keep bone and cartilage strong and healthy.

* Improve ability to do everyday tasks.

* Improve overall health through more energy, better sleep and weight control.

* Strengthen the heart, decrease depression and boost self-esteem.