Exercises For Arthritis Pain

Exercises For Arthritis Pain

Reduce Orthopedic Arthritis Pain With A Few Simple Exercises

You can do orthopedic exercises for yourself at home – and reduce your arthritis pain safely and effectively. The following exercises for arthritis help patients to become stronger and more flexible, while increasing endurance and balance.

1. Resistance Training Builds Orthopedic Strength

Stronger muscles can act as ‘shock absorbers’ for your joints (just like the shocks in a truck). By lifting something heavier than the joint itself, you can improve strength. This can often be done using just your own body weight.


Sample Exercise: Squats


To build the strength of your quadriceps (thigh muscles), you can do simple squats out of a chair:


  • Sit in a chair
  • Lean forward
  • Stand up


For a variation that strengthens the same muscles, you can lean against a wall with knees slightly bent. Hold this position for 10 seconds, stand up, rest a bit and repeat!

2. Stretch To Improve Flexibility

Everyone knows stretching is good for our bodies, but many think of Cirque du Soleil when discussing flexibility. Even a small increase in stretching can prevent orthopedic problems like arthritis from progressing and can help the pain. It can be done whenever you think about it. A good stretch begins by moving the joint to a position where you feel that it has been stretched, hold for 10 seconds and then push very slightly more. Heating before stretching and then icing afterwards helps as well.


Sample Exercise: Hip and Knee Stretch


You may only be able to reach your knees when you begin; even moving to the mid-calf will be great for arthritis in the hips and knees.


  1. Sit on the floor and reach for your toes until you feel a comfortable stretch.
  2. Hold for 10 seconds
  3. Push slightly more into the stretch
  4. Release

3. Aerobic Exercises Increase Endurance

Motion is key to orthopedic health. Joints that do not move will deteriorate and become even more arthritic joints. Low impact aerobic exercise such as walking, swimming, and bicycling will strengthen your heart and lungs, allowing you added energy throughout the day. Endurance depends on how much oxygen gets to the muscles and joints, and how the muscles and joints use that oxygen.


Sample Exercise: Walk


The impact of running will negatively affect your arthritic joints, but walking will not and actually helps the joints. Walking for 20-30 minutes at least three times a week is recommended.

4. Improve Balance For Even Weight Distribution

Balance involves the ability to maintain one position for a long time without falling. It is a variation of endurance, and improves with better strength and flexibility. Balance is very important for joints as it allows for an even distribution of weight. When weight is evenly distributed then cartilage is not as easily damaged (causing orthopedic ailments such as arthritis). Yoga and Tai chi are both good ways to improve balance, and reduce the rates of hip and wrist fractures.


Sample Exercise: Tree Pose (Yoga)


  1. Stand on one leg
  2. Place the sole of the other foot on the standing calf, making sure to not let it rest on a joint like the knee or ankle
  3. Focus on a spot on the wall and hold still
  4. Leave the toe of the other foot on the ground and place the heel against the ankle

By doing these few simple exercises in a short amount of time at home, you can gain relief from the pain and discomfort of arthritis.

Incorporate this routine and other simple exercises (as recommended by your physical therapist or orthopedic doctor) into a regular, daily routine to experience greater strength, endurance, and flexibility for improved health and movement!


You can also read our blog, 5 Tips To Naturally Reduce Arthritis Pain, for other gentle exercises you can incorporate to relieve your arthritic pain.

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Dr. Meredith Warner, Orthopedic Surgeon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Meredith Warner is the creator of Well Theory and The Healing Sole. She is a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Air Force Veteran.


She is on a mission to disrupt traditional medicine practices and promote betterment physically, spiritually and mentally to many more people. She advocates for wellness and functional health over big pharma so more people can age vibrantly with more function and less pain.


At Well Theory, Our surgeon-designed products are FDA Registered and formulated to help people:


  • Manage the symptoms of musculoskeletal pain
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