Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes painful joint swelling and destruction. While the disease can make physical activity difficult, exercise is vital for maintaining joint mobility, immune function and overall fitness. Learning how to get in shape while having rheumatoid arthritis allows patients to construct an exercise plan customized to meet their needs.
Benefits
While exercise is essential for a healthy lifestyle, it's even more important for people with chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Regular exercise strengthens joints and muscles, reduces swelling and prevents bone loss. It also increases joint lubrication in cartilage while fighting stiffness and fatigue, which can be severe in some RA patients. Exercise also plays a major role in preventing obesity, which can further strain affected joints and lead to other health problems like type II diabetes and heart disease.
Risks
Exercise that is too intense or performed improperly can lead to injury in people with rheumatoid arthritis. High-impact exercises, like running, may be more likely to result in injury and joint pain than gentler workouts, like water aerobics and yoga. Exercising too much during a flare-up can worsen inflammation, pain and joint damage in some patients.
Methods
To reduce your risk of injury, choose low-impact exercises that match your current level of fitness. Brisk walking, swimming and gentle stretching exercises like yoga are ideal for arthritis sufferers. Start slowly and stop immediately if you experience pain. When performing potentially dangerous activities, like cycling or playing sports, wear appropriate safety gear to protect against injury. Scheduling exercise during parts of the day when pain is naturally less severe, such as after morning stiffness has subsided, can increase adherence to a workout plan. Adults need 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week for optimal fitness. Avoid exercising during periods of intense pain, and allow yourself time to rest and recover after exercise.
Considerations
Before starting an exercise program, talk to your doctor to assess your fitness level and discuss the potential risks of a workout plan.
