Today, 30.8 million people—1 in almost every 10 American adults—have osteoarthritis (OA), a serious disease that mainly affects the hands, knees, and hips. OA rates are expected to increase in the years ahead as baby boomers age, and the effects of the obesity epidemic continue to manifest.
Osteoarthritis is common, expensive, and a leading cause of disability, but it also can be prevented and managed.
Whether you need relief from arthritis pain or just want to be active, the Arthritis Foundation’s six-week Walk With Ease program can teach you how to safely and comfortably make physical activity part of your everyday life.
Walk With Ease is an evidence-based program proven to:
- Reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis
- Increase balance, strength, and walking pace
- Build confidence in your ability to be physically active
- Improve overall health
The Walk With Ease program is offered as an instructor-led class that meets three times a week, or you can do it on your own. Both formats of the program are guided by the Walk With Ease Workbook. The Workbook includes:
- Self-assessments for measuring your progress
- Action plans for setting goals
- Activity logs for tracking your walks
- Information about the importance of physical activity for people with arthritis
- Strategies for arthritis symptom management
- Tips for safe walking, warm-up, and cool-down exercises
There also is a Walk With Ease mobile app and other online videos of exercises and other online tools.
More information about osteoarthritis and about the Walk With Ease Program is available on the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance website. To help decide if Walk With Ease is right for you, watch the video below.
