How can I exercise with arthritis?
Asked by anonymous on Apr 06, 2009
in Health Conditions
I have arthritis in my back, neck, and knees. I swim almost daily (weather permitting), and although it has been great for my legs, I still have the problem of upper arm flab. What exercises can I use to target that area without inflaming the arthritis?
Answer
Swimming is, generally, a great exercise for arthritis and it targets the arms and shoulders. It can be difficult to firm up the arms because arm skin becomes flabby as weight is lost, and we hope it has the elasticity to snap back. Building up your muscles helps to fill in the slack - but protecting the joints is your first concern. (Sorry to say, arm flab is merely cosmetic.) Lots of water exercises target the upper body and the core to improve your overall health. You can ask a physical therapist or sports injury specialist for advice. Also ask about yoga. Meanwhile, continue to lose weight because weight loss is an important part of arthritis treatment, and to reduce inflammation, eat a diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and very little red meat. Read more about diet and arthritis at About.com.
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