Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 2 million Americans, with women most likely to suffer from the disease. The pain associated with the disease is often significant, but an exercise program that includes strength training along with skiing or a similar activity can reduce symptoms and improve mobility. Moreover, the cardiovascular benefits of skiing and other low-impact exercises can improve current and future health without causing additional joint damage.
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes systemic inflammation in the lining of the joints. Symptoms of the disease include fatigue and joint swelling, stiffness and pain. The disease can also affect the internal organs and the synovium, resulting in bone and cartilage damage. The knees and hand joints are the most commonly affected joints, both of which are necessary for skiing and many other sports. Without treatment, rheumatoid arthritis may lead to joint destruction and immobility. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.
Joint Inflammation and Skiing
The pain and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis may limit mobility and lead to reduced physical activity. Unfortunately, lack of exercise causes reduced muscle strength, which in turn means less support for diseased joints. Engaging in skiing or other regular exercise can actually improve long-term prognosis and overall health, according to the National Center on Physical Activity and Disability. In fact, engaging in cross-country skiing or similar low-impact exercises is recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine as a way to improve mobility, ease symptoms and increase cardiovascular health without causing significant joint strain.
Minimizing Symptoms During Skiing
Proper warmup is essential for minimizing pain and the risk of injury when skiing with rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, a gradual introduction to activity, both in general and on the day of skiing, is beneficial to improving range of motion and preventing a flare-up. If pain does occur during skiing or other exercise, immediate rest is necessary to prevent a worsening of symptoms. Because rheumatoid arthritis affects the immune system and causes fatigue, care must be taken not to overexert during exercise. Wearing quality ski boots with proper insoles can help reduce joint strain, and braces can improve joint stability, when necessary.
Considerations
Skiing should be combined with strength training and flexibility exercises. Improvement in endurance and muscle strength is more important than the intensity of individual workouts. Anyone with rheumatoid arthritis should consult a doctor before beginning a new exercise program and should ski only when supervised by a professional.
