Walking

Walking is an excellent activity and a functional one as well; we all have to walk to get around. A walking program can improve endurance, aerobic capacity, and walk time while decreasing pain and depression in people with arthritis (Minor et al. 1989; Minor 1991). You can do it daily as long as you vary the intensity and follow some basic advice.

As with any activity, equipment can increase or decrease your chance of injuries. The most important pieces of equipment for walking are socks and shoes. If you have arthritis in your lower extremities, chances are that your biomechanics are altered and your walking gait is not ideal. Proper shoes can help improve limb alignment and gait, resulting in a more even stride and less stress to your arthritic joints. If you are like me, you may look at the cost of a good pair of walking shoes and think that you don't need them that much. However, poor shoes may actually worsen your gait and heighten the stress on your arthritic joints, thus increasing the long-term damage. Your physician may even decide that you need orthotics or special shoes, which may be covered under your health insurance if the physician prescribes them.

Do I Need Special Walking Shoes?

What Type of Warm-Up Should I Do?

Where Should I Walk?

What Does a Walking Program Look Like?