If you have arthritis, you should give your joints plenty of rest. Just make sure the rest doesn’t turn into a permanent vacation. Even though your joints may complain, you need to keep them moving from time to time. In fact, regular exercise is one of the best arthritis remedies around. Your doctor can help you find an exercise program that’s right for you. In the meantime, take this short quiz to find out how much you know about exercise and arthritis.
1. Which of the following statements about exercise and arthritis is true?
a. Exercise has to be intense to do any good — no pain, no gain.
b. Many people with arthritis are too old to exercise.
c. Patients have to exercise every day to get any benefit.
d. Just about anyone with arthritis can benefit from light, easy workouts.
2. You shouldn’t exercise sore joints during a flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis.
True
False
3. Regular weightlifting can help ease pain and stiffness caused by arthritis.
True
False
4. Water exercises are an excellent choice for many people with arthritis.
True
False
RELATED: 11 Arthritis-Friendly Tools That Make Daily Life Easier
5. Most patients have to exercise for a couple of months before they notice much improvement in their arthritis.
True
False
6. If you feel a little discomfort while stretching, you’ve probably pushed your joint too far. True or false?
True
False
7. Which of the following could be a sign that you may be over-exerting yourself?
a. Pain that lingers more than an hour after exercise
b. Swelling in a joint
c. Tiredness
d. All of the above
Your Results
1. Which of the following statements about exercise and arthritis is true?
The correct answer is: d. Just about anyone with arthritis can benefit from light, easy workouts.
It doesn’t take an Olympian effort to cope with arthritis. Simple, light exercises such as a walk around the block or 10 minutes of gentle stretching can work wonders. And don’t worry about being too old to work out — even people in their 100s can add exercise to their lives. No matter what your age, start slowly and get professional advice from a doctor, physical therapist, or personal trainer.
2. You shouldn’t exercise sore joints during a flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis.
The correct answer is: True
Joints are very vulnerable (not to mention painful) during a flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis. You should hold off on your usual stretches, range-of-motion exercises, weight lifting and other more serious exercises until the flare-up passes. If you have osteoarthritis, don’t