Inflammatory arthritis: the role of exercise

Rheumatoid arthritis

According to the WHO, about 18 million people were living with rheumatoid arthritis in 2019, around 70% of them women. It is an autoimmune condition that usually affects the hands, wrists, shoulders, elbows, knees and feet.

Signs worth showing your doctor: joints that have been swollen and painful for more than 6 weeks, and morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes.

It cannot be cured, but early diagnosis and treatment reduce symptoms and help prevent disability.

Why exercise matters

People with rheumatoid arthritis have a 1.5 to 2 times higher risk of heart disease, yet fewer than 14% are as active as recommended. World Physiotherapy calls exercise a key way to reduce disability.

A mix of mobility, strength, aerobic and balance exercise works best. Even if you can only manage 10 minutes at first, the important thing is to start.

Axial spondyloarthritis

It mainly affects the spine and pelvis and usually starts in the late teens or twenties. Typically, pain and stiffness are worse at night or after rest and better with movement.

World Physiotherapy recommends that people with axial spondyloarthritis are referred to a physiotherapist for a tailored programme: spinal mobility, stretching, posture, strength, breathing and aerobic exercise.

Is exercise safe?

Yes. Even weight training and harder exercise are safe and useful for people with arthritis. Pain during exercise usually means your body is adapting, not that the joint is being damaged. Exercise can also reduce the tiredness the condition brings.

During a flare, adjust your exercise rather than stopping. A physiotherapist helps you find the balance between rest and activity.