Weight Lifting and Arthritis

Strength-training when you suffer from arthritis may sound intimidating, but it can actually be a good way to ease pain and strengthen your joints. 

Texas Orthopedics rheumatologist Dr. Joseph Martinez recently gave some insight on weight lifting when you have arthritis on Livestrong. 

Dr. Martinez recommends a proper warm up and cool down when doing any kind of exercise or strength training program. Low-impact exercises such as walking, cycling or yoga work well for both your warm-up and cool-down.

Dr. Martinez says a little discomfort is ok, but don’t continue an exercise routine that causes pain in your joints.  

“Generally speaking, I advise my patients to listen to their body during exercise,” Dr. Martinez says. “Feeling a mild soreness during exercise is normal. However, if you’re developing a clear feeling of pain, it is best to stop that exercise.”

Incorporating strength training into your workouts can be beneficial, but you don’t want to overdo it. 

“Engaging in large amounts of high-impact exercise can exacerbate pre-existing joint damage and lead to increased pain, and potentially worsen structural damage,” Dr. Martinez says.

For more tips on how to incorporate low impact exercises into your workout routine, read the entire article on Livestrong.

Texas Orthopedics Austin rheumatologists  treat autoimmune disorders that affect the musculoskeletal system including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, lupus, and others.

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