Exercise & Prevention

Physical Therapy Better Than Steroid Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis Two options for treating knee osteoarthritis are physical therapy and corticosteroid injections. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine (April 2020) compared them and found physical therapy to be superior. The study included 156 people with knee osteoarthritis who were divided into two […]

In January 2020, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) published guidelines for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee, hip and hand. Working with the Arthritis Foundation in a process that included the perspective of people who have osteoarthritis, the ACR reviewed the scientific literature and made recommendations both for and against various treatment options. […]

We can all benefit from moving more and sitting less. Physical activity helps you feel and function better. It is especially important for people with arthritis. In fact, exercise is one of the cornerstones of treatment for osteoarthritis. An exercise program should combine different kinds of exercise, which includes aerobic activity. These are the activities […]

Traveling can be a wonderful experience, whether you are exploring places you’ve never seen before, visiting distant family or friends, or leaving home for some other reason. If you have arthritis, the excitement of a trip may be dampened by concerns about how your symptoms will limit you. With some preparation and some simple steps […]

Treatment for Low Back Pain Often Doesn’t Match Guidelines Many older adults with low back pain receive treatment that is not consistent with guideline recommendations, according to a study published in the journal Medical Care (February 2020). Unless there are specific danger signs, guidelines suggest that diagnosis should be based on a history and physical […]

Osteoarthritis can be challenging to treat. There is no single, one-size-fits-all therapy. Instead, there are a variety of treatment approaches that may be appropriate depending on the joint or joints affected and symptoms, which can change over time. Therapies may be used together or one after another at different times. To help doctors and their patients […]

Q: When I’m walking or running for exercise, does it matter if it’s on pavement, a running track or a treadmill? A: Where you choose to walk or run is a personal decision. Some people prefer being outdoors, while others like to exercise indoors on a treadmill. The best choice is the one you enjoy […]

Many Adults in U.S. Do Not Get Enough Exercise Engaging in regular physical activity is important for overall health. It reduces your risk for obesity, heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and it also helps maintain bone and joint health. According to a report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in […]

Exercise Reduces Risk for Falling Among Older Adults About one-third of adults ages 65 and older fall each year. A fall can have serious consequences, including bone fractures and head injuries. Exercise to improve strength, flexibility and balance is recommended to prevent falls. A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (December 2019) […]

Stabbing pain in the heel when you first stand up in the morning is a sign of the common foot ailment plantar fasciitis. “Pain may ease throughout the day with activity, but then it can worsen later in the day after prolonged weight bearing,” says Cleveland Clinic podiatrist Patrick McKee, DPM. Plantar fasciitis is irritation […]

Exercise is an important part of a comprehensive treatment approach for people with osteoarthritis. Walking is a great form of exercise. But before you head out the door, consider what you are putting on your feet. Choosing the best shoes can make a difference in getting the most out of your walk. “Shoes are important […]

If you have stiff, achy joints from arthritis, you may look at photographs of people doing yoga and think, “That’s nice, but it’s not for me.” You may think you aren’t flexible enough to get into the poses, you can’t sit cross-legged, and it might be painful. In fact, you don’t have to be able […]