Hi there, my name is Jago Holmes, I'm a certified Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
• Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease which means that your immune system attacks other parts of your body.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect any joint the most common places being the hands or the feet.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis causes redness, pain, swelling around the joint.
• The inflammation may also affect other internal organs such as heart, lungs and eyes.
The body’s immune system attacks healthy joints causing inflammation which can be very painful. If the disease is not treated and controlled it can lead to permanent damage. Severe damage can lead to permanent joint deformity and disability causing so much pain and swelling that you may have difficulty walking. Simple activities such as cooking and dressing may cause you trouble.
Many aspects of Rheumatoid Arthritis can be managed successfully through self care. This includes balancing exercise and rest, eating healthy, emotional health, protecting joints during routine activities and applying local treatments for the pain. Healthy habits can make a big difference.
Exercise can make you feel better – choosing a variety to help strengthen your muscles, increase aerobic fitness and to use your joints full range of movements. There will be days when you don’t feel like it but give it a go as the exercise can reduce the pain, improve your mood and help you get a good night sleep.
Strengthening the muscles surrounding an affected joint can protect it from damage. Muscle strength can be lost quickly when there is inflammation or when you avoid using joints. Aerobic or endurance exercise can help improve joint function and may reduce swelling. It’s also good for your heart and lungs and a great way to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise that moves joints normally throughout there full range of movement can prevent stiffness.
The best exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis improve flexibility, strengthen muscles and don’t stress affected joints.