Exercises to Improve Rheumatoid Arthritis

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still under research. Probably, a heavy genetic component is involved. Experts believe that certain exercises can improve rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms. The exercises described here will help people with this diseases to maintain mobility and increase their quality of life. As always, ask your doctor before you start this or any other exercise program.

Pain on the joints is one of the most devastating consequences of having rheumatoid arthritis. That is why regular an gentle exercises are needed to strengthen joints and relieve pain. The following exercises should be performed as gentle as possible, especially if you are starting to exercise.

a) Hold your hands in front of you and gently rotate your wrists 20 times. Then change the rotation counterclockwise another 20 times.

b) While sitting, bend your knee to stretch your knee muscles and joints. Do it about 15-20 times for each leg.

c) Your ankle should be worked out, by rotating them, first clockwise, then, counterclockwise about 10-15 times

Do these exercises twice a day or better three times a day. As said before start slowly and if you feel pain or like you can not do all the reps recommended, do as much as you can. As you build up stronger joints you will be able to do more.

Hands are one of the first part of the body where rheumatoid arthritis will be felt. So hands exercises are very important to alleviate the effects of the disease. These exercises will not only relieve hand and finger pain but also increases mobility range and strength.

a) Hold your hands in front of you and close your finger into a fist. Open your hand an stretch out your fingers. Repeat this exercise about 10 times, three times a day.

b) Repeat the exercise described above trying to touch your palm with your fingers.In this exercise you will not make a fist but instead touch your palm with the tip of your fingers.

c) With your wrist straight and fingers stretched, bend your fingers at the base. Hold 10 sec, and repeat 10 times

Th exercises described here can improve rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms. They will improve your mobility range and alleviate joint pain associated with the disease.Regular exercise will result on an improved quality of life for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Benefits can be felt after a few of these exercise sessions.

Sources:

Robert J. Moots, Nigel Jones (2004) Rheumatoid arthritis: your questions answered Elsevier Health Sciences, ISBN 9780443074424

E. William St. Clair, David S. Pisetsky, Barton F. Haynes (2004). Rheumatoid arthritis. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, ISBN 9780781741491