Rotating extension springs

dnvn

Hi,
I'm making something and I need to use an extension spring in the middle of a rotating arm that's encountering a bit of resistance on the far end (i.e one end of the arm is the centre of rotation, then the spring gives a range of movement parallel to the arm and the other is a wheel and rail).
How do I make sure the spring doesn't bend too far as it rotates and encounters friction? Do I use a thick spring or some kind of linear bearing?