How to Exercise Safely with Osteoarthritis

If you suffer from osteoarthritis, you may be wondering if it’s safe to exercise. The answer is yes, but there are some things to keep in mind when exercising with this condition. Here are some tips for exercising safely with osteoarthritis:

1. Talk to Your Doctor: Before you start any exercise routine, it’s important to consult your doctor or physical therapist. They can give you personalized advice and help create an exercise plan that works for your specific needs and limitations.

2. Start Slowly: It’s important not to push yourself too hard at first, as this can lead to injury or worsening of the condition. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts over time as your body adjusts and gets stronger.

3. Choose Low-Impact Exercises: High-impact exercises such as running or jumping can aggravate joint pain and cause further damage to the joints affected by osteoarthritis. Instead, opt for low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or cycling which will put less strain on the joints while still providing a good workout.

4. Use Heat & Ice: Applying heat before exercising can help loosen stiff joints and reduce pain while applying ice afterwards can help reduce inflammation and soreness caused by exercise activity.
5. Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay attention to how your body feels during exercise – if something doesn’t feel right or causes increased pain then stop immediately and talk with your doctor about other options that may be better suited for you instead of continuing with that particular activity/exercise routine

Following these tips will help ensure that you stay safe when exercising with osteoarthritis so that you can continue living an active lifestyle despite this condition!

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osteoarthritis, exercise, doctor, physical therapist, intensity, low-impact exercises, heat, ice, symptoms,

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