Exercise Can Ease Your Arthritis

You can include exercise in your treatment plan for arthritis. When performed correctly, exercise can improve your joint flexibility, relieve pain and strengthen bones and muscles.

To get started, try a few stretches. Begin with the shoulder shrug. This stretch helps chronic arthritis involving the vertebrae of the neck. Slowly and steadily raise your shoulders into a shrug. Hold it for a moment, feeling the effect on your neck muscles. Keeping your head still, gently press your shoulders downward as far down as you comfortably can. Release and repeat.

Next, try the wrist flex. Extend your arm and bend your wrist to raise your hand as if signaling "stop." Then bend your wrist the other way so your hand drops forward as far as it can go.

The knee-to-chest exercise is good for the back. Lie on the floor with your legs bent and feet flat on the floor. Pull your right knee to your chest and hold it a few seconds. Straighten your right leg and shake it to relax the muscles. Return to the starting position and repeat with the left leg.