No disorder that will surely cause painful living is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation of membranes or tissues that line the joints. As one with this disease grows older, joint tissues may be destroyed, including tendons, cartilages, ligaments, and bones, and in severe cases, it may also cause organ damage.
Rheumatoid arthritis is usually manifested by painful, swollen, and stiff joints on both sides of the body, and it is usually felt upon rising in the morning. Stiffness may also develop due to prolonged lying or sitting and often lasts up to several hours. There are certain medications that are advised to be taken by those individuals who are affected by this autoimmune disease. Medications like aspirin and methotrexate will help alleviate pain and slow the progression of the disease.
There are also non-pharmacological methods that you may utilize in alleviating the suffering of those individuals inflicted with rheumatoid arthritis. Exercise is one modality that can reduce pain and improve function in people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Also, it aids in preventing the buildup of scar tissues on the joints, which can lead to stiffness and weakness. There are three forms of exercises for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: strengthening, stretching, and conditioning exercises.
Strengthening Exercises
Utilize moving muscles against some resistance. Studies have revealed that moderate to high-intensity strength training can be tolerated with individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. If done continuously, it will eventually improve the functional ability, as well as the physical capacity and the emotional status of those people having the disease. Strengthening exercises have two types, namely: isometric, which is tightening the muscles or gripping them against the resistance of gravity without mobilizing the joint; and isotonic, which means moving a joint on its full range of motion in opposition to a resistance of a weight or gravity.
Stretching
on the other hand involves mobilizing the joints and muscle groups slightly beyond the normal range of motion of an individual, then making them hold in position for a minimum of fifteen seconds.
Conditioning Exercises
Enhance the aerobic fitness of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Exercises such as walking, swimming, biking, and other water exercises are proven to slow down the progression of the disease and maintain the normal functioning and mobility of the muscle joints, preventing further disabilities in the future.
Be sure to seek your doctor first before doing such exercise programs. Though physical exercise doesn’t pose any hazard or threat for most individuals, it might be unsafe to some people. You may start doing these different forms of exercises only after talking with your physician.