Have you been diagnosed with arthritis? If so, you are not alone. Arthritis affects many older persons. According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention, 21 million adults aged 65 and older have arthritis.

You may be one of many people with arthritis who avoid physical activity and exercise because you think it will cause you pain.

Did you know that exercise is one part of a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan? Studies have shown that exercise helps people with arthritis in many ways including reducing joint pain and stiffness and increasing flexibility, muscle strength, cardiac fitness, and endurance.

Treatment plans also may include rest and relaxation, proper diet, medication, and instruction about proper use of joints and ways to avoid wasting motion.

For more information about what types of exercise are best for people with arthritis and for other information related to arthritis consult these resources: