The Importance of Exercise When You Have Arthritis

Staying active is one of the best ways to manage arthritis, and you don’t have to go it alone. Our primary care team helps you build a safe, low-impact exercise routine to protect your joints.

If you live with joint pain, the idea of working out might sound exhausting or even painful. Many of our patients worry that moving will make their joint damage worse.

At Boulevard Medical HealthCare in the Bronx, New York City, we want to reassure you that the opposite is true.

Our primary care team, led by Dr. Nirmala Tummalapenta, helps patients safely stay active. Regular movement is one of the best ways to protect your joints and reduce discomfort.

What does the research say about exercise and arthritis?

The American College of Rheumatology recommends targeted exercise as a first-line treatment for adults with osteoarthritis of the knees or hips.

A 2024 review of research that looked at the effect of exercise on arthritis showed that exercising can improve symptoms — particularly of the knee and hip joints — although more research is needed.

Depending on your situation, regular exercise may make daily tasks like walking or climbing stairs easier, but it’s typically a mild improvement rather than a cure. Moving your joints circulates synovial fluid, which delivers vital nutrients to your joint’s cartilage.

Exercise also strengthens the muscles around your joints, which helps absorb the impact of daily movement.

At our Bronx, New York, office, we evaluate your joint health to help you find the right level of activity.

How much physical activity do you need?

Aim to get about 150 minutes of moderate, low-impact activity each week. We also may recommend muscle-strengthening activities at least two days a week.

You don’t have to do this all at once. Breaking your activity into short sessions of 5 or 10 minutes at a time is beneficial. Effective low-impact options include:

Brisk walking around your neighborhood
Water aerobics or swimming
Riding a stationary bicycle
Light strength-training with resistance bands

If you have foot or ankle arthritis, our podiatry specialist, Dr. Jason Cohen, can recommend supportive footwear or custom orthotics to keep you comfortable while walking.

How can you safely exercise with rheumatoid arthritis?

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, we recommend using activity pacing and energy conservation to manage fatigue and protect your joints. Break tasks into smaller steps, and rest before you feel exhausted.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes painful flares. Pushing through severe joint pain during an active flare can cause permanent damage. Members of our multi-specialty team at Boulevard Medical HealthCare work together to coordinate your care. We help you balance active days with proper rest so you can protect your joints.

Are you ready to build a safe, personalized exercise plan? Our team is here to support your wellness journey. Schedule a visit with us today to get started.