Overcoming obstacles to exercise among people with arthritis: How can you help? by Julie J. Keysor, PT, PhD, and Aileen Ledingham, PT, MS

Joint pain and stiffness are cardinal signs of knee and hip osteoarthritis. Joint pain and stiffness make it difficult to move and people inevitably slow down. That doesn't really help, though. Inactivity makes muscles weak, which compounds the pain and stiffness. Inactivity in itself can result in pain and stiffness. How does one break the cycle? By knowing barriers to exercise and behavior-change strategies, you can guide older adults with this chronic condition in achieving more physically active lifestyles.