Arthritis causes painful swelling of the joints and surrounding tissues. This swelling and pain can make daily movement difficult. If you suffer from arthritis, daily exercise and healthy eating can help. Movement can reduce pain and prevent the buildup of scar tissue. It can also improve your daily functioning. There are two types of arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis can be a lifelong journey. Physiotherapy and exercise can help. These activities can reduce pain and keep your condition from getting worse. Learn more in this section.

• Exercise for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear on your joints. You may not feel like exercising when your joints are sore and swollen, but there are ways that you can stay active with osteoarthritis and gout. Aerobic activity and range of motion exercises can be useful. Check with your healthcare provider before you start any activity to ensure it is safe. Learn more about osteoarthritis and gout in this section:

• Eating Guidelines for Gout
• Exercise and Osteoarthritis
• Physiotherapy for Knee Arthritis
• Quick Tips: Exercising Safely with Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis is a childhood disease that causes inflammation and swelling of joints. If your child has juvenile idiopathic arthritis, regular exercise is valuable. Practicing range-of-motion exercises can greatly increase your child’s flexibility. Learn more in this section:

• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Range-of-Motion Exercises
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

Osteoporosis is low bone mass (bone mineral density) and breakdown of bone tissue. People with osteoporosis are more likely to fracture their bones. These fractures are usually in the wrist, hip, spine or shoulder. Weight-bearing exercises can help prevent osteoporosis. Aim for healthy eating including sources of calcium and vitamin D. Learn more about:

• Calcium and Your Health (HealthLinkBC File #68d)
• Healthy Habits to Prevent or Reduce Problems from Osteoporosis
• Osteoporosis
• Weight-bearing exercises to maintain healthy bones

Osteoporosis Canada

Osteoporosis Canada aims to educate, empower, and support individuals and communities in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. See Exercises for Healthy Bones.

Arthritis Canada

Arthritis Canada supports research, advocacy and solutions to help people living with arthritis.

Last Updated: June 2021