Reader Solutions to Osteoarthritis Pain

Osteoarthritis treatment #5: Exercise
"I have severe arthritis in my neck with bone spurs" says Abigale Green Hassel, from New Jersey. "The more I move, the better I feel, [so] I do cardio and lift weights."

Does it work? Hassel is on the right track, but the type of workout matters, experts say. Be sure to do low- or no-impact exercise when you have osteoarthritis, adds Kevin Cronin, P.T., a physical therapist and founder of Advanced Rehabilitation Clinics in Chicago.

"Exercise is the best medicine when treating pain," Dr. Vlachos notes. "Medications and injections are temporary measures, and exercise and strengthening is the long-term solution."

Water-based exercise, stationary (or recumbent) biking and elliptical exercise are best, Cronin says.

Only do weightlifting or other resistance training if the exercise doesn't stress or put too much load on the arthritic joint, he adds. For example, bicep curls in a patient with shoulder osteoarthritis may hurt or increase pain in the shoulder joint, he says.

Before starting an exercise program, consult your doctor to find out which kind is right for you.

Osteoarthritis treatment #6: Water aerobics
Jean Helt and Sandi Overman praise the benefits of water workouts^[1].

"Aqua therapy [physical therapy performed in the water] has worked best for me," says Helt, 71. "Water aerobic classes are great too."

Does it work? Water aerobics is a winner; it's low-impact and offers resistance, Cronin says.

The buoyancy of water makes us lighter – "as much as 50%-70% lighter in chest-deep water," he explains.

That significantly reduces pressure on joints and reduces weight-bearing pain, he says.

References

1. ^{^} water workouts (www.lifescript.com)

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