Exercise

Self Assessment

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First, before beginning any kind of fitness program, talk with your doctor about what kind of exercise is right for you. You should make sure the exercise you choose is safe as well as enjoyable.

Exercise can help keep your joints flexible and benefits overall health, including weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight is important since excess weight on the joints can worsen pain and decrease mobility.

You may want to wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritating your skin while you exercise. If you experience nail lifting or pitting, you should consider wearing closed-toe shoes to protect your toenails while you exercise. Also, if you have skin symptoms on your hands, you may want to wear gloves while handling weights or riding a bike. If you exercise outdoors, protect your skin with sunscreen and moisturize when you are finished.

If you are exercising and feel pain or discomfort at any time, stop immediately. You and your doctor may need to adjust your routine to avoid pain or undue stress to your joints and bones.

Ideas for Exercise

• Try activities you enjoy, such as walking or biking. If you feel pain or stiffness when you are walking, consider a walking aid or shoe inserts. If you feel pain while biking, consider support devices for your knees and travel bike paths that are even and well-paved. Take breaks along the way, and stop if you feel any pain.
• Water aerobics and swimming are low-impact exercises that build muscle. Strong muscles can better support joints. These exercises also increase cardiovascular fitness while protecting joints.
• Stretching helps you relax and maintain flexibility. Always warm up with some gentle stretching before your workout routine. Yoga combines stretching with resistance training and is a good way to maintain flexibility.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing in order to avoid irritating your skin while you exercise. If your skin symptoms make you feel hesitant to exercise at the gym or outdoors, find a comfortable place in your home where you can exercise. Purchase a yoga mat, a balance ball, or some small hand weights that you can use at home.
• Pick the right time. If you are stiff in the morning, wait until later in the day to exercise.