Best way to exercise

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mandymayrose
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Joined: Mon Oct 17, 2016 11:07 pm
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by mandymayrose on Thu Oct 27, 2016 1:51 am

Best way to exercise

Hi, i am 43yrs old, I have had RA for 6 yrs in nearly every joint in my body, unfortunately it is not slowing down, even on my tablets and infusions.
I have come to terms with that of constant pain. What I want to know is the best way to exercise?
I think many of us have the same problems and that movement can be painful. I am now constantly sitting in my chair, therefore I am not moving about much, when I can I do small wrist/ankle rotations etc but the weight is pilling on. This in itself is depressing.
Is there some way to do any exercises that won't cause discomfort but help with keeping fit. I have tried different things i.e.: very small weights, walking on the spot and sit ups but the following day I cannot move.
I am at a loss......the depression with this is hard enough as everything I loved to do I can no longer, from being an active person to a "couch potato".
Any help would be very, very welcome

Regards

Mandy

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wendygreen
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Joined: Wed Jan 15, 2014 8:23 pm
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by wendygreen on Thu Oct 27, 2016 11:43 am

Re: Best way to exercise

Hi,

It must be very hard for you to find that your mobility has been so severely affected by RA.

I'm wondering if you've seen a physiotherapist, as they would be the best medical professionals to advise you on the types of exercise you can safely do without exacerbating your condition? If you haven't it'd be worth asking your GP for a referral.

Also, the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) offers some excellent information on why you should exercise http://www.nras.org.uk/the-importance-of-exercise and how to start http://www.nras.org.uk/where-do-i-begin- and also some exercise videos http://www.nras.org.uk/exercise-videos. However, I'd check with your GP/physiotherapist first, before undertaking any type of exercise, as you'll need to adapt the intensity and amount to suit the severity of your symptoms - as I'm sure you're aware.

I'd also recommend following an anti-inflammatory diet - please see my other posts on arthritis in this clinic for more information. Also, NRAS offers some information regarding this type of diet for RA http://www.nras.org.uk/what-diet-to-rec ... arthritis-

I'm sure, with the support of a physiotherapist, you'll find some exercises to suit you and hopefully help you to manage your condition.

Best wishes,

Wendy
Wendy Green
Health Expert & Author - BSc (Hons) Health Studies
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... _green.php

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Arthritis Action
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Joined: Wed Sep 28, 2016 1:27 pm
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by Arthritis Action on Mon Oct 31, 2016 7:49 am

Re: Best way to exercise

Hello,

You are definitely doing the right thing by trying to exercise but it can be very difficult if everything hurts. I wonder if you may also have fibromyalgia which is often worse after too much exercise and is common in people with rheumatoid arthritis. If so, you may be doing too much exercise to start with, hence the pain after exercise, and you may need to build up much more slowly as pacing yourself is key. I also wondered if you have tried exercise in water? This can be really helpful as being in water takes the pressure off the joints and can allow you to move the joints more freely. Most physiotherapy departments have hydrotherapy pools which you can ask your rheumatology department about, and often there are local swimming pools that are warmer than usual which can be important if you are not moving very fast in the water. Ask your local physiotherapy department for advice, and they can often provide information about local disabled swimming sessions where there may be helpers trained to assist people getting in and out of the water or with suitable flotation devices if you are nervous of the water.

Good luck,

Wendy

Dr Wendy Holden
Consultant Rheumatologist and Medical Advisor to Arthritis Action
www.arthritisaction.org.uk
info@arthritisaction.org

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