Exercises for Arthritis

How do you know if you have osteoarthritis? According to Erin Rohan O'Driscoll, R.N., M.A., the author of Exercises for Arthritis (Hatherleigh Press; $15.95), the warning signs are

* steady or intermittent joint pain;

* stiffness in a joint after getting out of bed or sitting for a long time;

* swelling or tenderness in one or more joints;

* a crunching feeling or the sound of bone rubbing on bone.

Hot, red or tender? Probably not osteoarthritis. Check with your doctor about other causes, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Pain? Not always. In fact, only a third of people whose x-rays show evidence of osteoarthritis report pain or other symptoms.

Exercises for Arthritis focuses on osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. Part one addresses who has arthritis and why, as well as diagnosis and treatments available. Part two is devoted to exercises for range of motion, strength training, cardiovascular conditioning and stretching.

More than 70 million Americans suffer from some type of arthritis. Contrary to popular belief, the condition doesn't just affect seniors: over half of those with arthritis are under 65, and some types affect people in their 20s, teens and even children.

Exercises for Arthritis is available from your favorite bookseller.

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