5 Best Exercises For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, often known as RA, is a long-term inflammatory and autoimmune condition that results in joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It might occur if your immune system targets the tissue lining your joints on both sides of the body. Some patients with rheumatoid arthritis become inactive. However, a lack of physical activity can cause muscular weakness and a loss of joint motion. Hence, people with RA must exercise regularly. When you begin working out, it is crucial to identify exercises for rheumatoid arthritis that are effective for you and your body to maintain its strength.
Please keep reading to learn more about the best exercises for rheumatoid arthritis.
Top 5 Best Exercise For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Walking
Walking is a low-impact workout that helps you stay active, burn calories, enhance your balance, and improve your heart health. It is considered a great kind of exercise for those with rheumatoid arthritis. When walking, you should wear appropriate and comfortable shoes to avoid pain. Great orthotic walking shoes are available, which are ideal for those with RA who still wish to exercise. Using a walking stick or pole can help balance and stability while relieving joint pressure. Drink a few cups of water 15 minutes before walking and a few more cups once you've finished staying hydrated.
Tai Chi And Yoga
Tai chi is a mind-body exercise that uses deep breathing, meditation, and low-impact, continuous, flowing movement. It is a traditional Chinese martial art that causes slow and gentle movements with mental attention. It is also known as "moving meditation." This exercise increases muscle function and stiffness while decreasing pain and stress levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Yoga, which combines breathing exercises with relaxation, can also lessen the symptoms of RA.
Stretching
Daily stretching is crucial for reducing RA symptoms. It can aid in enhancing the range of motion, reducing stiffness, and improving flexibility. Each person will require a different rheumatoid arthritis stretching regimen, depending on their symptoms and the affected joints. A common stretching routine could include:
- Warm up for 3-5 minutes by walking or pumping the arms while sitting or standing.
- Each stretch should be held for 20-30 seconds before being released.
- Repeat each stretch 2-3 times. Using a yoga strap while stretching may help people retain appropriate form.
Water Exercises
One of the best workouts for rheumatoid arthritis is swimming, which is a wonderful low-impact aerobic exercise. Swimming, water aerobics, and other gentle water workouts can help you improve your flexibility, range of motion, strength, and aerobic conditioning. They can also lessen stiffness and joint tension. Along with gaining the necessary aerobic exercise, yoga will also help you build strength and endurance.
Strength Training
Strength training helps increase muscle strength. Stronger muscles support your joints, reducing pain and making regular activities easier. Lift weights at home twice or thrice a week. You may also use resistance bands as it does not raise the risk of RA complications. Consult your doctor if you're unsure about using weights or resistance bands.
Exercise Is Good Therapy For Better Health
Apart from the above-discussed exercises, Cycling, gardening, and hand exercises like bending the wrists up and down, slowly curling the fingers, spreading the fingers wide on a table, and squeezing a stress ball are also beneficial exercises for Rheumatoid arthritis patients. A rheumatoid arthritis diet and exercise will help to manage rheumatoid arthritis. Hence, it is important to exercise regularly to enjoy the glow of good health.
