Exercise for Arthritis
and the Benefits of Glucosamine 

There are two forms of Arthritis:

Osteoarthritis: When the joint cartilage starts to break down you will start feeling pain and stiffness in the joints of your hips, knees, spine, and fingers. You will find that the wrist, elbows, shoulders, and ankles are less affected. OA can also appear by repetitive work activities and physical trauma.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:  This form of arthritis may cause the joints to lose their shape and restrict movement. RA causes inflammation in the lining of the joints. This form of arthritis causes pain, stiffness, joint swelling, and redness it is most common in women between the ages of 25 and 55; however, men can develop RA and young children can develop Juvenile RA.

Doctors thought for many years that if you had arthritis you should not exercise because it would cause more damage to the already damaged joint. Exercise is essential to help managing Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness, builds up the muscle around the joints, and increases your endurance and flexibility. Research studies have found when exercise is added to your daily routine it reduces inflammation that comes from arthritis and helps prevent other chronic conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease.

There are arthritis drug treatment products that give temporary relief. Many people prefer an alternative natural treatment consisting of glucosamine. This formula aids in the rebuilding of healthy cartilage, MSM natural sulfur that works as an anti-inflammatory which relieves pain, and Chodrotitin Sulfate that lubricates joints and also blocks enzymes that break down cartilage. Opti-Flexrasil ™, Fexrasil-V™

There are several exercise programs that are fun such as horse and bike riding, swimming, walking, and TV excise programs. The key is finding something you like to do and to start out slow but be consistent in adding exercise to your daily routine. When exercise is added your range of motion, stiffness, and pain will improve. At your local gym they not only have aerobic classes, weight training, but water aerobic classes you might want to consider. When you are in the water your body’s buoyancy reduces the stress you put on your hips, spine, and knees while building strength and increasing your range of motion.

It is recommended that you should always consult your doctor before starting an exercise program. He can help you decide what exercise would best benefit your type of arthritis. He might even suggest that you consult a physical or occupational therapist to develop a special program for you that will help you meet your specific needs.

Make sure that whatever program you decide on that you know the proper technique for performing that exercise with out causing injury. The goal is to have an exercise program that is fun, and that enjoy what you to do. The rule of thumb is to do it at least 30 to 40 minutes three times a week.

You now have all the information, all you need to do is implement it, and you will enhance the quality of your life.