News: Arthritis patients 'may benefit from weight training'

donnas
donnas Member Posts: 119
edited 15. Aug 2010, 11:47 in Living with Arthritis archive
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10864601

Read this online yesterday. I'm confused. I get conflicting advice from so many angles. I want to be more resilient but I have never found any way of exercising that doesn't give me more pain in the long run and I can't even do my physio exercises. My consultant thinks I shouldn't be exercising and should just be using wrist splints but I feel this weakens my wrists.

Anyone know much about exercise and RA/connective tissue disease?

Comments

  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    i know exercise helps keep muscles strong to help protect joints but swimming and walking what they normally say to do you would need to ask consultant as he knows best val
    val
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I know exactly what you mean donnas. I have PA (psoriatic arthritis) which is treated the same as RA. The moment my joints are placed under any stress they react by swelling, becoming hot and painful and their flexibility decreases. Even taking a shower causes increased discomfort. In the past I used toning tables to try and keep things flexible, and they did help a little. One works against the movement of the table, so how hard you tense the muscles is up to you. There are no weight-bearing exercises, one is either lying or sitting. They might be worth a shot. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi, I think that training can help to build up muscle strength but it should only be undertaken with the help and advice of a physio or medically trained fitness instructor. Also the amount of weight you use should be carefully monitored especially at first and only the lightest of weights for a short time and after the muscles have been 'warmed up' using other equipment and streches. I've done some of this in the Gym, working on a GP referral scheme with a special fitness instructor.

    It did help me for a while, but when I went back to work, I didn't have the time or energy to do both, I did try but, it made me too tired. So the benefit wore off in about 6 months, as they say in the article.
    I have my name down for palates class, lead by a trained physio. She has given me an examination first to test that I am able to do it without hurting myself. I did try the gym again, but found it too hard going. Sorry I've gone on a LOT! :oops: When all I mean to say is be careful and get advice first, it may not be for you!!!
    :shock: :wink:
    Love Sue
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I have been going to the gym for at least 25 years, using weights and aerobics.
    Till 3 years ago, O began to stiffen up, I thought it was just old age, till I went to my GP with knee pain, and was told I had sever arthritis in multiple joints,
    So It didnt work for me, you have to exercises to keep the joints from seizing up, walking swimming, palates, and gentle aerobics are good.
    Barbarax
    Love
    Barbara
  • kathbee
    kathbee Member Posts: 934
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Interesting eh?

    Before the onset of RA and whilst I was still
    working I used to go to the gym at 7 a.m. before
    work - 3 or 4 times a week.

    Didnt do much for me did it. :lol:

    I would be wary of lifting weights,
    I know for a fact theres no way I could do that.
    Mind you, I'm a bit of an old bird now.

    Like others have mentioned, ask for guidance
    on this one.

    Trouble with these news items, everyone is thought
    to be the same just cos the name of the illness is the
    same.

    Kath
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    What a good point kathbee. Yup, we all have 'arthritis' but strewth, aren't we all different? A fat and unfit DD (who cares not one jot at the mo about that!)
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • kathbee
    kathbee Member Posts: 934
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    dreamdaisy wrote:
    What a good point kathbee. Yup, we all have 'arthritis' but strewth, aren't we all different? A fat and unfit DD (who cares not one jot at the mo about that!)

    We sure are all different DD

    As we have all said before
    doesnt it just bug you when someone
    says
    'Oh my friend has RA, OA, etc.
    and she goes on a 5 mile walk every week'

    I mean a 5 mile walk, its a stuggle to get to the end of
    the drive some days. :roll:

    Yes, I too am totally unfit, not fat though, thin and drawn
    and deathly looking would be more the fitting description
    or if I am feeling kind to myself, pale and interesting. :lol: :roll:

    But there you go.

    Kath
  • donnas
    donnas Member Posts: 119
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    This isn't the first time I've thought about exercise. To be perfectly honest I'm lazy, but my joint disease is relatively mild, my "myalgia" symptoms cause me more pain every day than my joint symptoms, apart from hands and feet (had a huge foot flare up last night, that's what I get for wearing non lace up shoes for a day). I don't want to go to a gym. I've never done it. I can't swim because of my neck problems (instant incapacitating headache). I'm sick and tired of my life being permanently on hold because of all this. I suppose I'm having a bad period and clutching at straws. Thank you for all your responses.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    The majority of people are lazy, donnas. The only person who can change your circumstances is you, in the same way that the only person who can change mine is me. It's a ****, but true. When I emerge from the current flare I will go back to walking more than usual (I started walking more on our recent holiday, 'cos I had to, and it did help my joints in that my muscles strengthened a little in a relatively short space of time) and I hope that that will be the start of a better phase. Only I can change things. No-one can do it for me. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think if your consultant has advised against exercise then there must be a reason for that. I'd not do anything without positive medical advice. Maybe you should talk to a physio or/and your consultant about the reasons for not exercising. After all we only have one body and its up to us all to treat it with respect!!! :? I sound like my poor old, late mother talking!!! :oops:

    Love Sue
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    It creeps up on one, doesn't it woodbon? You suddenly hear all the stuff you SWORE YOU WOULD NEVER SAY coming from your mouth. Scary. :shock: DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • bluebeard
    bluebeard Member Posts: 260
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I would suggest using tins of beans as weights

    just do lots and lots of reps

    or very light plastic dumbells you can get from argos etc

    nothing heavy , just through the full range of movement

    for example

    press them above head ..shoulder press

    move them out to sides ...lat raise

    biceps curl

    bring them up in a straight line from waist area in front of body to shoulder ht ..rows

    try and do some crunches for your tummy


    then perhaps some squats against a wall for legs

    a basic book or dvd on pilates will give you lots of exercises

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