Studies indicate that exercise will not worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. But if rheumatoid arthritis has severely damaged your hips or knees, you may want to choose low-impact exercises, such as swimming, water aerobics, walking or bicycling.
But research shows that exercise helps to relieve rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning. Make sure to talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program and incorporate a mix of flexibility, range of motion, aerobic and strengthening exercises.
Should I avoid certain types of exercise if I have arthritis? For arthritis that affects the joints, running, jogging, jumping rope, high impact aerobics or any other exercise where both feet are off the ground at the same time are to be avoided.
Rest will make inflamed joints feel more comfortable, but without movement your joints will stiffen and your muscles will become weaker. Find the best activities and the right balance for you. It's usually best to increase the amount of exercise you do gradually.
Studies show that physical activity can reduce pain and improve function, mood, and quality of life for adults with arthritis.
Nearly a third of adults with arthritis are physically inactive. Yet a CDC study shows that severe joint pain is more common among adults with arthritis who are physically inactive. Physical inactivity is more common among adults with arthritis who live in states in the Southeast and are disabled or unable to work.
Studies indicate that exercise will not worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. But if rheumatoid arthritis has severely damaged your hips or knees, you may want to choose low-impact exercises, such as swimming, water aerobics, walking or bicycling.
Don't push yourself too hard — that can overwork muscles and make joint pain worse. Consider these tips: Keep the impact low. Low-impact exercises help keep joint stress low while you move.
People with rheumatoid arthritis typically have several permanently inflamed joints. The inflammation inside the body can lead to general physical weakness, drowsiness and exhaustion. This feeling of extreme tiredness is also called "fatigue." Some people find this to be the worst symptom of the disease.
It's common to have stiff and painful joints in the morning, making it difficult to get up and start the day. Everyday chores like cooking, laundry, cleaning, garden work and recreational activities can become a challenge as the disease progresses.
More frequent flares
“If you are experiencing flares more frequently, usually manifesting as increased pain, stiffness, and swelling, your RA could be getting worse,” adds Dr. Ghosh.
Slow, gentle, flowing exercises like Pilates, tai chi, and yoga help boost your balance and flexibility. They may even ease your pain. Research by the Arthritis Foundation shows that yoga poses, breathing, and relaxation lower joint tenderness and swelling for some people with RA.
Factors affecting a person's outlook include age, disease progression, and lifestyle factors, such as smoking and obesity. However, due to advances in medications and other treatments, the outlook for people with RA is better than ever before, and many people can live for a long time with the condition.
4 Even moderate weight gain can stress joints that are already burdened by arthritis. Diet can also play a role in pain and inflammation in people with arthritis. Foods that may trigger an arthritis flare-up include processed foods, deep-fried foods, trans fats, refined flours, red meat, and sugar.
When you're used to feeling sore, it can be only natural to shy away from touch. But think again: massage therapy from a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) can be an excellent short-term, drug-free way to soothe arthritis pain and stiffness and help you keep moving.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis often develop gradually over several weeks, but some cases can progress quickly over a number of days. The symptoms vary from person to person. They can come and go, and may change over time.
Researchers think it's caused by a combination of genetics, hormones and environmental factors. Normally, your immune system protects your body from disease. With rheumatoid arthritis, something triggers your immune system to attack your joints. An infection, smoking or physical or emotional stress may be triggering.
It can cause pain, disability, and premature death. Premature heart disease. People with RA are also at a higher risk for developing other chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. To prevent people with RA from developing heart disease, treatment of RA also focuses on reducing heart disease risk factors.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends adults get 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, and this includes those suffering with rheumatoid arthritis.
It's important to try to stay physically active even during a flare, but rest is also especially important when RA is active and joints feel painful, swollen or stiff. Rest helps reduce inflammation and fatigue that can come with a flare. Taking breaks throughout the day protects joints and preserves energy.