Stay active and exercise - arthritis Being active is good for
your overall health and sense of well-being. People with
arthritis who are active feel better than those who are not
active. Exercise keeps your muscles strong and increases your
range of motion (the amount you can bend and flex your joints).
Tired, weak muscles add to the pain or stiffness that arthritis
causes. Stronger muscles also help you with balance, and this
helps prevent falls. And, being stronger can help you lose
weight, sleep better, and give you more energy. Doing exercises
and being as strong as possible before surgery will speed up
your recovery. Choose from These Activities Water exercises may
be the best exercise for your arthritis. Swimming laps, water
aerobics, or even just walking in the shallow end of a pool all
make the muscles around your spine and legs stronger. Ask your
health care provider if you can use a stationary bike. If you
have severe arthritis, using a bike may speed up damage to the
cartilage and bone in your knee