Walking Is Great For Arthritis Pain

The Arthritis Foundation is encouraging individuals, especially aging baby boomers, to begin a walking program to help arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation has a new walking program which is safe and beneficial for people with arthritis. The program is outlined in a book called Walk with Ease, published by the Arthritis Foundation.

Researchers at Stanford University developed Arthritis foundation’s walking program for people with arthritis. The program is based on research in the fields of exercise, behavior modification, and arthritis education. According to the Arthritis Foundation, exercise, especially walking, helps prevent arthritis disability. It also reduces their risk for developing osteoarthritis in the knees by helping to control weight and strengthen the quadriceps muscles. Regular exercise leads to better flexibility, strength and endurance, and to less pain, fatigue, and depression.

Arthritis is the country’s leading cause of disability, affecting one in six Americans, including almost 500,000 state residents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of people with arthritis affected will surge to one in five, or 60 million people, by the year 2020, because of the aging of baby boomers.

Individual or groups that want to start a walking program can contact the Arthritis Foundation for a free copy of its booklet Walking and Arthritis or purchase a copy of the book outlining the Walk with Ease program. The Arthritis Foundation offers help and hope for those living with arthritis. The foundation also offers several types of exercise classes, support groups, and free seminars. To find out more about Arthritis Foundation programs, contact the Southern New England Chapter at 800/541-8350 or info.sne@arthritis.org.