Although it might be the last thing patients with rheumatoid arthritis feel like doing, exercise is one of the best things they can do to help themselves. In each case, though, they should check with their physician before beginning an exercise program, and ease into it slowly. There is presently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but treatment options, including exercise, have increased in the past few decades.
The Basics
Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more prevalent in women than men and usually occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting the small joints in your hands and feet. While osteoarthritis is more of a wear-and-tear disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, affects the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling that leads to joint deformity and bone erosion. RA is considered an autoimmune disorder because your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. It can also affect the entire body with fatigue and fevers.
Types of Exercise
There are three types of exercise known to help ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis -- flexibility, strength and aerobic exercise. Flexibility exercises help with joint stiffness and include head turns, shoulder circles and calf stretches. Strength, or resistance, exercises increase muscle strength for the tasks of daily living and include shoulder shrugs, forward arm reaches and chest stretches. Aerobic exercises such as swimming, bicycling or walking help with endurance, bone strength, weight control and help counter depression and anxiety.
Research
Researchers at France's University of Grenoble Medical School found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who exercised regularly reported less joint pain, improved function and greater quality of life. The study was published in the July, 2010 issue of "Arthritis Care and Research," a publication of the American College of Rheumatology. The researchers searched abstracts of medical journals for studies showing the impact of aerobic exercise and analyzed the results of 510 patients in the intervention group and 530 in the control group. The results showed that patients with stable RA would benefit from regular aerobic exercise. The American College of Rheumatology says exercise is beneficial for everyone, including RA patients, and recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week.
Cautions
Consult with your doctor about designing an exercise program that is right for you. Take advantage of the times when you feel better to exercise more. When you are not feeling up to par, you can do exercises that are less taxing. Pain or discomfort during exercise should alert you to take a break or stop that particular exercise.
