The Ultimate Guide to Arthritis

7. Understanding joint health

Maintaining joint health can help prevent further damage and preserve the range of motion in the joints. One way to support joint health is to listen to your body when you exercise.

Choose low-impact exercises, like swimming and cycling. Apply heat to your joints for about 20 minutes before exercising using warm towels, a shower, or hot packs to relax your joints and muscles.

Before exercising, warm up for five to ten minutes and go slowly. Take a break if you feel any pain. After exercising, ice your joints for up to 20 minutes, especially if your joints are swollen. It is important to listen to your body. Build slowly, and don't push too hard. Add more intensity as you get stronger, but take your time.