Common Questions About Arthritis

The Benefits of Water Exercise

Question: I have rheumatoid arthritis. I have been on a number of different medications and they work for awhile and then they don't. I have a difficult time walking, and I use a cane. Should I try water exercises? I hear that they are very beneficial for arthritis.

Answer: Since you have a difficult time walking, you will have difficulty with exercises that involve weight bearing. Therefore, water exercise would be a fantastic way for you to get the blood circulating in your body, keep your joints limber, and keep your muscles toned, all of which are very important for the rheumatoid arthritis patient.

There are a number of very interesting water exercises, including swimming laps and water aerobics classes with or without resistance training. Perhaps the easiest way to start is just to go in the water, put your hands on the side of the pool, and begin kicking your legs. It would also be nice to spend five minutes or so in a hot tub after you complete your water aerobics or exercise session.

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