Osteoarthritis is an age-related chronic degenerative condition that affects the cartilage and membranes of joints.  Without intervention, the condition adversely progresses reducing the functional abilities of the joints.  While there are several treatment options, osteoarthritis exercise provides the most comprehensive in reducing the disabling aspects of the condition, and it's therapy you can do yourself.

Osteoarthritis Strengthening Exercises 
Toned muscles act as stabilizers for weak joints, while reducing the strain on weight-bearing joints of the knees and hips.  The best osteoarthritis exercise to achieve these goals can be found in aquatics.

Take a trip to your local recreation center pool, and enjoy a water aerobics class or do exercises on your own. It's cheap hydrotherapy! Get in a routine of going several times each week to maintain your joints, instead of waiting until they hurt.

Improve Joint Range of Motion (ROM)
An osteoarthritis exercise must include ROM activities to help improve the joint's functional ability.  Try these simple hand ROM exercises, fifteen minutes, several times per day:

•    Circle your wrist to the left, and then circle to the right
 
•    Stretch and wiggle your fingers

•    Starting with the thumb and index finger, make a circle, then use your middle finger and continue until you have made a circle using each finger

•    Starting with the index finger, and finish with the pinky, bend each finger in toward the palm

Stamina and Endurance
An osteoarthritis exercise routine should include daily walking to help increase muscle stamina and endurance.  A good pair of walking shoes is necessary and is worth the few extra dollars.  Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, and try to walk first thing in the morning or after the sun goes down for optimal comfort.

Osteoarthritis may be a part of the aging process, but if you keep moving and stay active, its long-term effects can be minimal.

BIO:  Dr. Mundorff is a Registered Nurse and Board Certified Naturopath, and not a medical doctor.  Dr. Mundorff is the author of several books. Her latest book, Take Control: A Guide to Holistic Living is an innovative health guide, which helps the reader learn how to regain control of their health by discovering the practical effectiveness of combining alternative and modern medicine.  Contact her at bridges2hlth@aol.com or visit her blog.

Photo courtesy Diana from Tampa on Wikimedia Commons.