Exercise is usually beneficial in osteoarthritis and will help manage the pain.
Flexibility and stretching exercises can expand or preserve the range of motion and elasticity in affected joints and thus relieve the stiffness that leads to pain.
A consistent low-impact aerobic exercise program can assist weight control, therefore putting less stress on the joints.
Repeated movement of the joint is necessary for nutrition of the joint cartilage.
Maintaining normal muscle strength controls impact on the joints. Good muscle strength acts like a shock absorber around the joints.