Why Are Rest and Exercise Important?

Why Are Rest and Exercise Important?

A balance of physical activity and rest periods are important in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Exercise more when your symptoms are minimal, rest more when your symptoms are worse.
Exercise helps maintain joint flexibility and motion. There are therapeutic exercises, such as physical therapy that is prescribed, that can help with strength, flexibility, and range of motion of specific joints or body parts affected by your RA. Many recreational activities such as walking swimming are helpful because allow movement with little to no impact on the joints. Consult your rheumatologist or physical therapist to find out what exercises are right for you.
Just as physical activity is important, so is rest. When you have an RA flare and your symptoms are worse, it is best to rest to help reduce joint inflammation and pain, and to cope with the fatigue that may accompany it.