Arthritis and adaptive walking and running

No longer is rest or inactivity a password for arthritis. Arthritics are now being encouraged to walk, then run--it's part of the exercise continuum that imparts health to many components of the body, including the joints and their support tissues. Joint impact loads during running are less of a concern, whereas flexibility as a shock absorber is more important. The debate on immobilization versus mobilization definitely has shifted to the latter. Much has been learned from sports medicine that can turn a rheumatologist into a "coach."