| Interestingly, running has not been shown | | | | start out slowly. Otherwise worsening of knee |
| convincingly to be a risk factor for knee arthritis. | | | | symptoms can occur. Quad strengthening and |
| Some studies have suggested an association but an | | | | hamstring stretching should also be performed if a |
| equal number of studies have not. One of the best | | | | stationary bike is used. |
| studies to date has shown that if you keep your | | | | Cross-country ski machines are not quite as popular |
| mileage under 30 miles a week, the risk of | | | | as they once were. And that's too bad because this |
| osteoarthritis of the knee is pretty low. | | | | is a wonderful piece of equipment. This device |
| That being said, once arthritis does develop in the | | | | provides a workout for both the upper as well as the |
| knees, then other types of exercise should be | | | | lower body. The feet move in a back and forth |
| considered. Now the purpose of this article is to | | | | gliding motion (make sure you get a good quality |
| discuss only the aerobic component of an exercise | | | | machine that moves smoothly rather than in a jerky |
| program. Patients with arthritis need to include | | | | fashion). No pounding or other impact accompanies |
| aerobic, strengthening, as well as stretching in a | | | | this type of exercise. The attachments for the arms |
| comprehensive program. | | | | provide a brisk workout for the upper body also. |
| One option is an elliptical trainer. While these are most | | | | Resistance can be changed for both the legs as wells |
| often found in fitness clubs, they are available for | | | | as the arms. |
| home purchase and use. An elliptical trainer provides a | | | | One note of caution... people with low back problems |
| movement that is midway between a bike and a | | | | should exercise caution since back symptoms can get |
| stairclimber. The feet stay on the pedals and the | | | | worse. |
| movement is a smooth elliptical (oval) motion so | | | | Treadmills are also an alternative. For people with |
| there is no impact. Some models have attachments | | | | knee problems though, these may not be a good |
| for a back and forth arm movement so that there is | | | | choice. There is impact. Very high end treadmills have |
| a total body workout. The angle of pedals as well as | | | | a softer more forgiving deck. If you notice that the |
| the resistance to pedaling can be adjusted. This | | | | treadmill makes your knee pain worse, you're |
| provides an excellent cardiovascular, low-impact | | | | probably better off using something else. |
| workout. The elliptical trainer is my personal favorite. | | | | Stairclimbers are probably not a great idea. The |
| Another option is swimming. Swimming provides the | | | | reason is that the motion of bending and |
| best cardiovascular workout and is completely | | | | straightening the knee with loading from the rest of |
| non-impact. The primary concern with swimming is | | | | the body often times will hurt. This is particularly true |
| that patients with shoulder problems may have more | | | | for people who have significant arthritis between the |
| pain and aggravation of their shoulder symptoms with | | | | patella (kneecap) and the femur (upper leg bone). |
| certain strokes. In addition, patients with low back | | | | With all exercise equipment, it is critical to get |
| arthritis may also notice their symptoms worsening | | | | clearance from your physician before embarking on a |
| with certain maneuvers. If your problems are only | | | | vigorous program. Also it is a good idea to use a |
| knee related, swimming is a great choice. | | | | heart monitor to make sure your heart rate stays |
| A stationary bike is another good form of aerobic | | | | within the range appropriate fro your age group. |
| conditioning. It is a no-impact workout. People with | | | | Obviously, a lot depends on the condition you're in |
| knee problems should use a very low tension and | | | | before you start. |