Walking essential for those with arthritis, but few do

Most adults with arthritis do no or little walking, but it is an effective and safe way to achieve proven arthritis relief, U.S. officials say. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report said for adults with arthritis physical activity is an essential self-management strategy proven to reduce pain and increase function. "Walking is a low impact, acceptable and feasible way of obtaining these benefits and one preferred by those with arthritis, in part because it can be done in bouts as short as 10 minutes," the report said. "However, almost two-thirds of adults with arthritis report no or low fewer than 90 minutes walking per week." Community-based programs, such as Walk With Ease, are available to help adults with arthritis increase their walking, CDC officials said. Public health efforts that link such programs with environmental/policy strategies that increase access to safe walking environments and communication campaigns that build awareness of the benefits of walking can help adults with arthritis increase their walking, the report said.