How to Exercise With Osteoarthritis, According to Experts

If you have arthritis, you’re not alone. Globally, in 2019, there were 527.81 million cases of the degenerative joint disease, which most commonly affects the hands, lower back, neck, knees, hips and feet. With symptoms like pain, stiffness, and swelling, all sorts of movement — especially exercise — can be difficult.

But you can and — as physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons suggest below — should work out, as long as you’re cleared by your doctor. Read on for their tips on how to get your sweat on if you have osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.

If you’re new to exercise or restarting exercise, progress gradually, said Vanessa Kercher, clinical assistant professor of kinesiology at the School of Public Health at Indiana University.

“Having arthritis means that your joints may feel more easily irritated by activity or require more time to recover from workouts,” explained Miho J. Tanaka, M.D., Ph.D., and associate professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Harvard Medical School.

“Sudden increases in activity levels do not allow time for the body to adapt and can be a common cause of joint pain in patients who have arthritis,” Tanaka said.

That’s why Kercher recommended starting with five- to 10-minute periods of exercise, adding up to 20 to 30 minutes per day. The goal is to reach 150 minutes of moderate intensity per week.

Focus on building strength rather than endurance, Lee advised. Many studies suggest that increasing muscle strength and mass can help the muscles act as shock absorbers, taking pressure off the joints, he said

Exercises promoting balance are also important, since stabilizing the ligaments helps distribute force to the joints more evenly, Lee said.

Muscle stiffness and restricted range-of-motion can increase the risk of instability, according to Iversen. “Exercises such as Tai chi or yoga combine strengthening, stretching, and balance and coordination,” she said.

In general, choose exercises that strengthen without placing impact on the joints, Tanaka said. Think: Low-impact activities like biking, using the elliptical machine, doing yoga or Pilates, walking, swimming, or taking a water aerobics class.

“Water helps support your body weight by minimizing gravity, leading to less stress on your joints,” Kercher said.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor, a physical therapist, or a certified personal trainer before trying any new exercises.

(Related: What Are the Benefits of Swimming?)

In general, limit high-impact activities, like running and jumping, which can overload the joints, Nasri said.

Beyond that, take a cue from your body and reflect on which joints cause you pain. When lifting weights, if you have knee arthritis, consider skipping the leg extension machine, said orthopedic surgeon Jerome Enad, M.D., F.A.A.N.A. It puts excessive stress on the patellofemoral joint and can flare up arthritis, he explained, suggesting the sitting leg press as an alternative.

Skip deep squats or lunges if you have hip or knee arthritis, suggested Lucas Buchler, M.D. at Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

“Generally, it’s best to avoid movements that force the joints into end ranges of motion. Though these activities are unlikely to cause major structural harm to the joint, they are likely to cause inflammation and symptom exacerbation,” Buchler said.

When you have shoulder or elbow arthritis, Enad recommended steering clear of the bench press and dumbbell flys and choosing push-ups or dips instead.

(Related: What Muscles Do Push-ups Work?)

Working alongside a professional, such as a certified personal trainer or physical therapist, can be helpful. In general, though, try to shorten the range of movement until it’s pain-free, advised Enad. “You’ll still be working the target muscles in the shorter range,” he said.

Another way to modify moves is to lower the weight or number of repetitions performed per set, Nasri said.

Middleton recommended using cushioned mats to prevent joint discomfort. “They’ll help reduce joint strain while still providing an effective workout,” she said.

“Stretching is important for those with arthritis to prevent further joint damage and stiffness,” Middleton said.

Since adults with arthritis often have restricted range of motion in their joints, stretching before swimming or engaging in any aerobic exercise could also improve posture and help reduce the chance of injury, Iversen said.

Try warming up with dynamic stretches, like arm circles and leg swings, Middleton suggested. Then, post-exercise, stretch again. Opt for static stretches, such as hamstring and calf stretches, to cool down and prevent soreness, she said.

When it comes to static stretching, Enad recommended performing them to the point of maximal stretching, not pain. Hold each position for 10-20 seconds without any bouncing, he added.

(Related: 5 Benefits of Stretching Daily, According to Experts)