Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 2 million individuals annually, with the majority of patients being women. The condition affects the joints, causing painful swelling and stiffness, which continues to progress until joints become immobile.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis causes an immune system trigger, resulting in an anti-inflammatory response within the joints. As the immune cells called synovium migrate to the joints, the excess fluid can cause wear on the cartilage and further joint irritation. Eventually, the cartilage in joints will disintegrate, causing bones to rest upon bones, furthering the arthritic condition.
Exercise?
Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers should exercise, as this will help maintain bone density. Bones tend to thin out with , so exercising will help keep bones strong. It also helps improve the range of motion and flexibility in patients.
What Kind of Exercise Should a Patient Do?
Light cardio as walking or swimming can benefit a patient greatly, particularly swimming, as the weightlessness of the water keeps pressure off the joints while exercising. Patients should also include a light strength training program to help maintain muscle strength and flexibility.
Hand Exercises
One of the most common places for rheumatoid arhtritis to affect is the hands. Exercises such as holding your hands upward for 5 seconds on each hand or opening and closing the hand can help alleviate the stiffness in the hands.
What Exercises Should Patients Avoid?
Rheumatoid arthritis patients should avoid any high impact activities, such as jogging, or heavy weight lifting, as these activities place great stress on the joints and can irritate the condition.
Treatment
Before beginning any exercise program, it is best to check with your rheumatologist to ensure that the exercises being utilized are best for alleviating the pain and stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis.
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