All living well guides
Exercise
Exercise and Arthritis
Regular movement is one of the most effective treatments for almost every rheumatic condition.
Video lesson
Why it matters
Exercise strengthens the muscles that support joints, keeps cartilage nourished, eases stiffness and fatigue, and lowers heart risk, which is higher in inflammatory arthritis.
What you can do
Aim for 150 minutes a week of moderate activity such as walking, cycling or swimming, plus strength training twice a week and daily stretching. Start with 10 minutes and build up. Some soreness is normal; sharp or lasting pain is a signal to scale back.
Call your care team if
Exercise causes joint swelling that lasts more than a day, or you have chest pain, unusual breathlessness or dizziness.
At a glance
Topic
Exercise
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.