POLL: Do you exercise as part of your treatment plan for arthritis?

Exercise is essential for people with arthritis. As for anyone, exercise increases energy levels, helps develop a better sleep pattern, helps with weight control, maintains a healthy heart, increases bone and muscle strength, decreases depression and fatigue, and serves to improve self-esteem and self-confidence. For people with arthritis, exercise is especially advantageous in regard to the joints. Moving the joints daily helps to keep them fully mobile. Added joint support is achieved by strengthening the surrounding muscles. Also, joint movement transports nutrients and waste products to and from the cartilage, the material which protects the ends of the bones. There are exercises for range-of-motion, strengthening, and endurance. Read also about running, walking, tai chi, yoga. Take our poll and tell us if you exercise regularly, not regularly, rarely or never.