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Step 1
Visit your doctor. Before you start exercising, make sure you talk to your doctor about your plans and get his/her approval.
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Step 2
Stretch. Regular stretching helps your muscles and joints stay flexible. (See "How to Stretch Before and After a Run," under Related eHows.)
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Step 3
Go for a walk at least once a week. Walking burns calories and increases strength and bone density without hurting your joints. It is a perfect form of exercise for anyone with arthritis.
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Step 4
Go for a swim. Any form of water exercise--water walking or running or swimming-- is an excellent way to increase your strength and range of motion. The water's buoyancy helps support your weight and decreases the wear and tear on your joints.
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Step 5
Make exercise fun. Find an activity you enjoy. Whether it's bowling, gardening, or martial arts, any form of exercise is good for combating the pain of arthritis and for enjoying your life to the fullest.
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Step 1
Peel an orange. Or pour a glass of orange juice. Oranges are good sources of vitamin C and other antioxidants and work to prevent osteoarthritis and slow its progression.
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Step 2
Drink a glass of milk, or two. Calcium helps build bone and so decreases your risk of developing osteoarthritis. Other foods that can add calcium to your diet include yogurt, cheese, ice cream, broccoli, kale and salmon.
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Step 3
Grab some breakfast. A healthy breakfast includes fruit, fiber and a glass of milk, water or juice. Adding breakfast to your day will increase your stamina and help you to cope with your arthritis.
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Step 1
Turn on some music. Listening to your favorite band can cheer you up and may help you forget your pain for a while.
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Step 2
Rent a funny movie. Laughter is the best medicine. It can lower your stress, relax your muscles and relieve your arthritis pain.
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Step 3
Write it down. Keeping track of how you feel and what works effectively for your arthritis is a good way to manage your condition. Writing also lets you vent your anger and frustration with the disease.
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Step 4
Soak your blues away. Take a warm bath before you go to bed to relieve your sore muscles and ease your aching joints. A relaxing bath can also help you get a good night's sleep and feel better in the morning.
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Step 5
Pray. Research shows that belief in a higher power and regular prayer time can help you feel better physically and emotionally. Turn to a source of strength outside yourself for help living with your arthritis.
