Rheumatoid Arthritis Management: How Exercise Can Help

Posted in April 18th, 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints. It can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function. While there is no cure for RA, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

This blog post will discuss the role of exercise in managing RA, based on the guidelines set forth by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR). The ACR is a professional organization that develops evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of rheumatic diseases.

Strong Recommendation for Consistent Exercise

The ACR strongly recommends consistent exercise for people with RA. Exercise has been shown to improve:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Physical function
• Muscle strength
• Cardiovascular health
• Mental health

What Types of Exercise Are Best for RA?

The ACR recommends a combination of aerobic, strength-training, and flexibility exercises.

• Aerobic exercise helps to improve cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, swimming, and biking.
• Strength-training exercises help to build muscle strength and improve bone density. Examples of strength-training exercises include weight lifting and bodyweight exercises.
• Flexibility exercises help to improve range of motion in the joints. Examples of flexibility exercises include yoga and tai chi.

Tips for Getting Started with Exercise

If you have RA and are considering starting an exercise program, it is important to talk to your doctor first. They can help you create a safe and effective exercise program that is tailored to your individual needs.

Here are some additional tips for getting started with exercise:

• Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time.
• Listen to your body and take rest days when needed.
• Choose activities that you enjoy. This will help you stick with your exercise program in the long term.

Exercise is an important part of managing RA. It can help to improve your symptoms and quality of life. If you have RA, talk to your doctor about starting an exercise program.

Disclaimer:

This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice. Please talk to your doctor about the best exercise program for you.