Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the membranes lining your joints. Including exercise as part of a treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis offers several benefits, notes The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. Certain types of exercises can help increase mobility and lubricate the cartilage surrounding afflicted joints while also easing stiffness. Before adding to or changing your exercise routine, speak to your doctor or physical therapist.
Description
Rheumatoid arthritis involves inflammation, swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the joints most commonly affected are the elbows, knees, wrists, ankles and feet. Those who suffer rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk for osteoporosis, diabetes and heart disease.
Causes
Rheumatoid arthritis may be triggered by viral or bacterial infections, notes MayoClinic.com. Genetics is also thought to play a role, as well as age, gender and cigarette smoking. Women and smokers tend to be at a higher risk.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercising while you have rheumatoid arthritis may provide both physiological and psychological benefits. Exercise increases muscle strength around afflicted joints and helps decrease bone loss, swelling and pain. It also helps relubricate joint cartilage and ease stiffness. Other physical benefits of regular exercise include reducing your risk of diabetes, colon cancer, coronary artery disease, obesity and hypertension. The mental health benefits are increased relaxation, reduced anxiety and an increased sense of well-being.
Types of Exercise
On its Arthritis Today website, the Arthritis Foundation recommends performing aerobic, strengthening and stretching exercises daily to help increase your heart and lung strength, improve the muscles surrounding your joints and maintain the mobility and flexibility of affected joints. The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center says stretching and range-of-motion exercises are the most important, with muscle-strengthening and aerobic exercises following. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers may find aquatics exercises and yoga especially helpful.
Rest
Rest is just as important as exercise, according to the University of Washington, which notes that during times of extreme swelling or pain, rest will help calm the joints. During these periods, exercise should be limited to range-of-motion activities. When swelling and pain decrease, you can slowly return to the full line of exercises.
