Benefits of Exercise in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Numerous studies have supported the idea that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) should exercise regularly. According to experts, exercise may alleviate RA symptoms in at least four ways. Here we have discussed four reasons why experts suggest exercise for RA.
1. Exercise lowers inflammation
Regular exercise seems to reduce the body's levels of inflammation. The inflammation level is assessed using blood tests that look for inflammatory indicators, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). These indicators' test findings are typically low when RA is under control and high during a flare-up. Research indicates that physical activity reduces inflammatory markers.
RA inflammatory levels may be impacted by exercise in several ways:
- The body's anti-inflammatory reactions are enhanced by exercise. The body's muscle cells release substances known as anti-inflammatory cytokines when you exercise. Cytokines are microscopic protein molecules that communicate with other cells and instruct the immune system.
- The body's pro-inflammatory reactions are suppressed by exercise. Inflammation is caused by an overactive immune system. Exercise can help reduce the activity of the immune system.
- Exercise helps in the reduction of extra fat, which fuels inflammation. Certain hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokines are among the chemicals that can be released by fat tissue and cause inflammation.
Even if you don't lose weight, some researchers believe that exercise can lessen the pro-inflammatory effects of adipose tissue. Research on the effects of exercise on inflammation and RA disease activity is still ongoing.
In addition to reducing the symptoms and signs of other diseases like diabetes and heart disease, lowering inflammation levels in the body can also lessen the activity of RA.
2. Regular exercise helps in rebuilding lost muscle
As RA progresses, the body loses muscular mass and strength. This decline is observable at all phases of the illness, including upon diagnosis, during active RA, and even during remission. It is possible for body weight to stay constant or even rise, indicating that fat tissue is increasing as muscular tissue declines.
Including exercise in a treatment program can:
Develop muscle mass: People with rheumatoid arthritis usually have less muscle mass than those in good health, which makes up around 45% of total body mass. Increased muscular mass is a result of exercise.
Boost the function of your joints: We move our joints with muscles. Increasing muscle mass through exercise can help your joints function better.
Protect joints: Joints are supported by muscles. Muscle building provides a cushion to joints to avoid injury.
Strength exercises can be performed using some equipment, like weights or resistance bands. Muscle strength can also be induced by bodyweight exercises, e.g., squats, some forms of yoga.
3. Heart disease risk is reduced by exercise
Compared to the general population, those who have rheumatoid arthritis have a 48% higher risk of developing heart disease. The heart and blood arteries are believed to be affected by RA inflammation.
The risk of heart disease is decreased by exercise because:
- It reduces inflammation that can harm blood arteries and the heart
- It burns excessive fat because excessive fat may aggravate heart problems
Whether or not you have been diagnosed with RA, exercise is an excellent strategy to combat heart disease.
4. Exercise reduces the symptoms of depression and fatigue
Depression and fatigue are more common in those with long-term autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Exercise can help people with chronic illnesses feel less depressed and tired.
According to research, exercise may be beneficial for a few reasons:
- Exercising releases endorphins and dopamine, two substances that can help elevate mood and decrease drowsiness.
- Exercising decreases inflammation throughout the body, which is connected to weariness and depression.
- Exercising gives you a feeling of achievement and empowers you to manage your RA symptoms.
While it is unlikely that depression and fatigue will go away completely, exercise can lessen their effects and may even make them less noticeable. For better clarity, one should consult the best rheumatoid arthritis doctor in Delhi.
How to Incorporate Exercise into Your Day
It truly can be challenging for the individual with RA to find out when during the day is best to exercise. Morning stiffness is one of the common features seen in RA. Morning and exercise don't mix for many patients!
Once morning stiffness is gone, individuals with RA become active in normal activities of daily life, work, laundry, grocery shopping, doctors' appointments, and whatever needs doing has to be done! However, by night or evening, individuals with RA are usually too exhausted to exercise.
Also Read: Myths and Facts Related to Rheumatoid Arthritis (रूमेटोइड अर्थराइटिस से जुड़े भ्रम)
Since we are all different, there is not one answer that works for everyone. You must, however, set aside the most productive period and adhere to it. If you are unable to set aside an hour, break up your regimen into smaller periods. Just as vital as eating, sleeping, cleaning, and all the other things you should do in life is exercise. Commitment is the solution, so figure it out.
Regular exercise also has big benefits to people who are afflicted with other types of autoimmune arthritis, like psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. You should search for the no 1 orthopedic doctor in Delhi to get better treatment for your condition and a fast recovery.