Rheumatoid arthritis: Is exercise important?

What are the best types of exercises for people with rheumatoid arthritis? What should be avoided?

By Mayo Clinic employees

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis avoid exercising, fearing that joint pain will increase. But regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce pain, hardening and disabilities often associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, regular exercises can enhance strength and flexibility. The strongest muscles can better support your joints, while improved flexibility can help in the function of the joint.

Exercise can reduce fatigue and relieve depression. Fitness in general generally helps reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes, which are two common cases in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis accelerates the loss of muscle mass that usually occurs with the progress of people. For this reason it is important to do exercises that can build muscles along with air exercises that can strengthen the heart and lungs.

Weight -carrying exercises such as walking can help prevent osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak, fragile and more vulnerable to fractures due to the loss and strength of bone density. People with rheumatoid arthritis are at risk of osteoporosis.

Studies indicate that the exercise does not get worse for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. But if the condition is damaged by hips or your knees, you may want to choose low -influential exercises, such as swimming, water exercise, walking or cycling.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Record for free and stay aware of research developments, health advice, current health topics, and experience in health management. Click here for email preview.

We use the data it provides to deliver the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and useful information, we may combine e -mail data with your website with other information we have about you. If you are sick in Mayo Clinic, we will only use your protected health information as shown in our Privacy practices notice. You can cancel the email contacts at any time by clicking on the cancellation link in the email.