Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common form of the condition in the UK, affecting around 400,000 people and statistics compiled by the World Health Organisation suggest that 40% of those with RA are likely to be in poor health and so are more inclined to avoid exercise.
However, research at the University of Grenoble Medical School in France revealed that RA patients who exercised regularly had less pain and better mobility in the joints affected by the disease. Those in the study were less tired and so reported an improvement in their feeling of wellbeing and overall health.
If you have rheumatoid arthritis and would like to incorporate moderate exercise into your life, you should consult with your GP first who might refer you to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to devise a specific program for you. Cardio exercise that strengthens the heart and lungs is essential – good examples of this are walking, swimming, using an exercise bike or low impact aerobics. Make sure you include stretching and muscle strengthening exercises. Improved and flexible muscle tone will help your joints, too.
Ideally you should be exercising 20-30 minutes every day but if that’s too challenging, start off slowly and aim for moderate activity at least 5 times a week. Depending on the severity of your condition and on the advice of your GP, you might be able to participate in high intensity exercise if you feel able to.
Listen to your body – if you feel increased pain or inflammation in any of your joints, lay off the exercise that puts increased physical pressure on those joints and go for non-weight bearing activities such as swimming until you feel you can return to your favourite exercise.
