Physical activity and psoriatic arthritis

Physical activity plays an important role in overall well-being. If you have psoriatic arthritis, moderate exercise may offer specific benefits, including improved range of motion, reduced joint pain and stiffness, heightened endurance, increased flexibility and weight loss. Following are helpful tips to consider when embarking on an exercise program.

Consult your doctor.

Before beginning any exercise program, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine what is appropriate for you.

Stretch out.

Your workout should include 15 minutes of flexibility exercises. Once you can do 15 continuous minutes of flexibility exercises per workout, you should be able to add strengthening and aerobic exercises to your routine.

Build muscles.

Using weights or resistance helps muscles work harder and become stronger so they can reduce the stress on joints and protect them from injury.

Make a splash.

Water exercises, from swimming to walking in the water, are a no-impact way to build strength and flexibility. Swimming can help strengthen the back, shoulders and hips while providing a good cardiovascular workout.

Walk it off.

Walking is an excellent form of exercise. If your feet, ankles or knees are affected by arthritis, you may need a walking aid or shoe inserts to avoid putting undue stress on your lower joints.

Find a buddy.

Consider exercising in a group or with a friend. Accountability to others will help you stick with your regimen. Plus, you can benefit from their encouragement and support!

Make it fun.

Start slow and focus on activities that you find enjoyable.

Let your body guide you.

Stop any activity that causes extreme pain or discomfort. Ignoring pain is not a good idea and may lead to injury, so always listen to your body. Consult your doctor if you experience pain.