Lower Body Exercises for People With Arthritis

Exercise is important for reducing pain and maintaining range of motion if you have arthritis. But do you know what the best exercises are for the lower body for arthritis sufferers?

Below are some of the lower body exercises that work best, and also some that you should avoid.

For Hips

Do:

• Walk in the shallow part of the pool
• Walk on land or on a treadmill with no incline
• Swim laps in the pool with very gentle kicks
• Ride your bike in high gears or cycle on a stationary bike
• Yoga poses
• Isometric exercises that make the hip stronger but don't move the joint

Also try our CanDo Fold-Up Pedal Exerciser instead of a stationary bike.

Don't:

• Run
• Do abduction exercises that move the leg from the body
• Squat with heavy weights. Note that wall squats or squats with the bar only across the shoulders are usually ok.
  

For Knees

Do:

• Swim laps with very gentle kicks
• Walk in the shallow part of the pool, on land or on a treadmill with no incline
• Tai chi
• Ride bike in easier gears or cycle on a stationary bike

Don't:

• Run
• Do squats with heavy weights
• Do some yoga poses or basketball or racquetball that involve sudden changes of direction
• Do high impact sports

For Ankles

Do:

• Swim laps
• Upper body and quad-strengthening exercises
• Yoga
• Walk in well padded and supportive shoes
• Walk in the pool

Our CanDo Comfort Ankle & Wrist Weights 4-pound Set can be used for quad work.

Don't:

• Do high impact activities that require jumping
• Walk on surfaces that are uneven
• Walk for long distances with no rest
• Do sports such as tennis or basketball