If you have ever noticed that your aching legs feel better after exercise, you might be developing rheumatoid arthritis. Joints affected by arthritis are more painful after periods of inactivity, often becoming stiff and painful if not exercised regularly.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
While the precise cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, it is widely considered an autoimmune disease. The pathology of rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, involves your body's immune system attacking healthy tissue inside and around joint capsules. Your ankles, knees, wrists, feet and finger joints are the most susceptible to damage from RA.
Symptoms
A common symptom of patients with RA is morning stiffness. Joints tend to become more tender and stiffer with extended periods of immobility, which is why symptoms are first noted in the mornings after several hours of sleep. During periods of excessive inflammation, joints can become tender and painful to touch. Swelling might be present, as well as firm bumps under the skin covering the joint, these are known as rheumatoid nodules.
Benefits of Exercise
According to MayoClinic.com, tremendous benefits can result from exercising and building strength in the muscles surrounding aching, painful joints. Not only will these joints become more stable and less prone to injury, regular strength exercises will improve bone strength and help with weight control. The pain and stiffness of arthritis can also be significantly improved with exercises directed at improving joint range of motion. These exercises can be as simple as flexing and extending your knee until the pain and stiffness subside.
Other Treatment Options
In addition to a regular exercise program that you have discussed with our physician, several anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic drugs are available for controlling disease progression. Talk to your doctor about the severity of your symptoms and the effect they are playing on your quality of life.
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