How to move around with arthritis

  Most people with arthritis have swollen, stiff and painful joints, which restrict joint movement and make it difficult to get up, dress, exercise or even walk. As the saying goes, “life is about movement,” and in order to maintain normal joint function, attention must be paid to maintaining joint mobility.  Appropriate activities are beneficial to the recovery of the patient’s joint function and to the maintenance of normal joint movement, which is important for delaying joint function degeneration and preventing joint deformity. The following are some of the considerations for rheumatoid arthritis patients when it comes to activities.  1, although the acute period can be active, but should not go out to exercise, but to carry out daily life training, such as getting up, sitting and standing, dressing and undressing, or at home or in the hospital bed to move the affected joints, mainly to do simple joint flexion and extension exercises, 1 to 2 times a day, each time to do 5 to 10 times. If the pain or stiffness increases or joint swelling appears within 24 hours, the activity should be reduced or suspended.  2. After entering the remission period, you can do more housework, such as sweeping and wiping tables, and carry out joint activities such as making fists, shaking hands, kicking legs, flexing and extending, and cooperate with physical therapy such as massage and physiotherapy to improve symptoms. At this stage, you can arrange activities outside, such as walking and other light physical activities for 10-30 minutes each time, with the same precautions as in the acute stage.  3, the chronic period should arrange regular exercise as far as possible, 3 to 5 times a week, each time no more than 1 hour. Aerobic exercise, such as walking, cycling, tai chi, etc., are suitable items, in order not to feel fatigue, no aggravation of symptoms after the activity as the principle.  4, whether in the acute phase or remission phase, chronic phase, activities should be carried out gradually, and appropriate rest between activities. If symptoms worsen or muscle spasms occur during or after the activity, stop the activity for 1 to 3 days and consider starting the activity again after the symptoms improve, and adjust the activity program and reduce the amount of exercise appropriately.