What exercises can you do for arthritis of the knee?

Many people do Water Aerobics for Arthritis pain. It helps maintain and build your muscles as well as increasing flexibility so that movement is easier. Most cities have gyms that have indoor pools heated to at least 80 degrees--check with the Arthritis Foundation for locations and programs. I found that during exercise, I was often pain free for the hour of exercise. Also, many insurance plans will pay for the classes. Yes. Studies have shown that exercise helps people with arthritis in many ways. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness and increases flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. Exercise is often part of a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan. This is what The National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse recommends for how to get started: * Discuss exercise plans with your doctor. * Start with supervision from a physical therapist or qualified athletic trainer. * Apply heat to sore joints (optional; many people with arthritis start their exercise program this way). * Stretch and warm up with range-of-motion exercises. * Start strengthening exercises slowly with small weights (a 1 or 2 pound weight can make a big difference). * Progress slowly. * Use cold packs after exercising (optional; many people with arthritis complete their exercise routine this way). * Add aerobic exercise. * Consider appropriate recreational exercise (after doing range-of-motion, strengthening, and aerobic exercise). Fewer injuries to arthritic joints occur during recreational exercise if it is preceded by range-of-motion, strengthening, and aerobic exercise that gets your body in the best condition possible. * Ease off if joints become painful, inflamed, or red and work with your doctor to find the cause and eliminate it. * Choose the exercise program you enjoy most and make it a habit.