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High-Intensity Exercise and Arthritis

By Lissa Poirot

For people with rheumatoid arthritis, exercise – namely high-intensity exercise, such as running or jogging – was considered a no-no for many years. But recent studies suggest it may be OK – even....

william wallace freedom for scotland

15 Jan 2012, 09:35

hi i used to be a scottish international mountain runner..been running with R A for 10yr now...had various problems with diff drugs.still manage go mountain running in scotland and when get to the top any pain i have goes when i see the spectacular views at ths top..and still run about 40-50mls a week.yeah sometimes am in pain but you know what there is a nike advert JUST DO IT..some doctors tell not to run..YOUR OWN BODY WILL LET YOU KNOW..hope this is of help.

Danette

11 May 2011, 01:15

Matt,

I wanted to tell you something to encourage you. I was diagnosed with RA 18 months ago and I am on mtx, enbrel and plaquenil. For over a year prior to dx I had severe feet and hip pain which kept hampering my running. Once I was diagnosed, the flares and fatigue were miserable. About 4 months ago I was able to start running again, something I thought I would have to give up. I did a 10K 2 days ago and feel great. I had a PR in the 5K 2 weeks ago! In retrospect, I feel better than I have in years. I can train and run with some pain in my feet and hips afterwards, but NOTHING like previous.

I encourage you to do as I did... search for POSITIVE stories and research on the internet to both cheer you & share with your provider. I am very fortunate to have a rheumatologist who runs himself and says that we tailor the medication to fit my active lifestyle. Hang in there, you will run again soon!

Kristi

17 Apr 2011, 15:55

I am inspired to hear stories from so many of you that still run with RA. I was diagnosed at 25 and am now 32. I used to run marathons and had completed 14 full marathons and 6 half-marathons before I was diagnosed. I continued to run after being diagnosed but only 5Ks and one half-marathon. I did this until I had a bad flare in my knees and they swelled up like grapefruits on and off for about two months. I finally got the flare under control but have not run since, it's now been three year. Occasionally I will try to run but do get some pain. I try to stick with waling, hiking, biking and swimming...I do miss running though and I'm inspired that maybe someday I'll be able to at least run short distances. I do hesitate with long distances for fear that I will not be as mobile when I reach my later year.

mat king

11 Apr 2011, 14:31

hi recently diagnosed with ra and love running including marathons. Now scared i will no longer be able to carry on running .Can someone please tell me something that will cheer me up in reference to my running.always wanted to break 3 hours marathon can i still do it

Michelle lalancette

11 Mar 2011, 00:06

I am 52 and was diagnosed with RA 3 years ago. I used to run 4 miles a day and swim everyday as well. I am taking several medications for my symptoms but have yet to be ale to run or even hike without severe pain. I am hoping that something will work as I loved being very active and right now it is difficult to just go up and down the stairs in my house. I am in severe pain but take medication which really helps. My advice to people here is to protect your joints, if you have pain and find it hard to do any exercise then go swimming and run in the water. I also would advise you try the new medications that are now available. I have seen a lot of women and men who are severly deformed by wanting to deal with their RA thorugh natural ways. The drugs have side effects but the benefit of reaching a remission is worth it to meI will keep trying different mixes of drugs till I hit one that works for me. I want to be able to do the things I once enjoyed and would like to run again. I am cheering for those that are running and for those that are doing their best everyday to maintain their health.

Linda

22 Feb 2011, 21:21

Hi! I was diagnosed with RA just last year. I am 61 and have run 4 half marathons in the past couple of years, several 10Ks and some 5Ks. I don't want to stop running. It does so much good for me both spirit-wise and keeping mental acuity. My doctor says I should stop. I do have achy joints in both ankle and knees. It keeps me awake nights. I am torn about what to do. My legs are strong and need to be used.
I am on low dose methotrexate and plaquinel and mobic. I still take advil at times also. I miss the runners high when I don't run. I am tempted to run anywy until I just can't.
Suggestions?

Jessie Wright

07 Feb 2011, 10:38

I was diagnosed with RA just a few months ago after a few years of trying to reach a diagnoses. I was first diagnosed with fibromyalgia, then lupus, and the rheumatologist I went to said sero-negative RA. I was an extremely active women, exercising every day working full time, and being there for family. I quit exercising so much because the fatigue can be some unbearable at times. I have to make myself exercise, and when I do I feel really good afterwards, but it seem almost every time I do several hours later I have a flare! That's just exercising a little bit. I want to run, but my knees say no way.

ali bahbahani

01 Feb 2011, 00:23

I was diagnosed with RA in 2006 when I was 29 years old, did a couple of surgeries tried different medications with no effect lost almost all my mobility and gained around 20Kg. 2 years ago a doctor recommended Humira injections and it worked and now I run and play soccer 6 days a week and have just completed my 3rd half marathoon although slight pain in ankles and knees after extensive sports activity but I feel great. I know I dont have the body of a 34 years old but believe me dont lose hope.

Holly

12 Jan 2011, 17:49

Hello. I got JRA at the age of 7 years old. I am now 35 and going strong. I have had an ankle replacement, and more tendon surgeries than I would like to admit to. If anyone has any questions for me, please ask. For the young ones, the key to success with JRA and RA is staying active...if your doctor allows. Good luck and stay positive. It could be worse. I always look at those with Cancer or HIV/AIDS as being in deeper than I, so I try not to have self pitty, and push forward.

Mona

21 Nov 2010, 08:57

I've been diagnosed with RA when I was 25(5 years back). It engaged only my fingers at first but now it hurts even in my jaws. I've been taking prednisolon and clorockin for these years and it has affected my immune system badly. I am now very weak and thin. Exercising has been good but my joints hurt badly after each session. Any advice?

EricaO

01 Sep 2010, 12:16

've had a version of RA - AS (Anklyosing Spondylitis) - for 10+ years now since I was 16. Really depressing to have lost 80% of my mobiility, be in extreme pain, and on a ridiculous concoction of methotrexate + pain killers + folic + you guys all know the rest. My ex-boyfriends and friends used to always make fun of me, and even a DOCTOR laughed at me and told me I had the body of a 60 year old.

I refused to give up and started hiking every day. Then I started Enbrel and it made a huge difference. I just became a runner and am now doing 5ks! I don't get to have the normal 28 year old body but I REFUSE to give up. LET'S KEEP RUNNING.

Also guys, I now lead a life coaching movement I've created to INSPIRE OTHERS. Please join us on Facebook if you can here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rock-Today/132436446787193 Or just search for "Rock Today" in Facebook.

When we inspire others, we get to inspire the world we live in every day.

GOD BLESS -
Erica

Geoff

29 Aug 2010, 16:04

Stay off conventinal drugs , they will wreck you more than the RA.

sallie Weiler

18 Aug 2010, 21:20

my daughter is 15 and has RA. She has not had symptoms in toes before now. The problem is that she is part of team in training at this time and is having significant pain, she wants to play field hockey! Is it o.k. to work with them if symptoms are controlled with Aleve, or Advil? Will the work make it worse?

ali bahbahni

05 Aug 2010, 03:59

I was diagnosed with RA in 2006 when I was 29 years old. couldnt do my daily activities at the beginning, even walking was a problem. Now I run 10KM daily with little pain in the ankles.

Jessa (jzza_04)

09 Jul 2010, 19:36

Hi, I'm 16 and I was diagnosed with RA...This is the worst thing that has ever happened to my life. Pls. add me guys coz I really need your advices on this one. I don't want to take my medicines coz it has side effects.My right fingers are already swolen. And also, I'm planning to join a cheerdance competition in school. Do you think it is a good idea?

Linda

03 Jul 2010, 18:44

It is so inspiring to read such positive posts in regards to running. I was diagnosed in 2008 and had to give up all of my exercise! A year later I was given the go ahead to start exercising really slowly. Its a year after that and I am now briskly walking 4 miles 5 days a week! If my knees swell, I miss that days activity until they settle down and also gently massage my knees. I used to run but worried that RA would make it worse - this has given me hope.

April Marie

03 Jul 2010, 13:38

I was diagnosed with JRA when I was only 2 years old. I had it pretty severe, and my childhood was filled with a lot of physical and emotional pain because of it. Then, when I was 14, I discovered my "lifeline": my father encouraged me to start running. I fell in love with running. Not only did it make me feel better physically, but I gained a lot of confidence in myself that I never had before. At age 19, I ran my first half-marathon, with my dad. I ran another one the following year. After those accomplishments, I knew I wanted to someday run a full marathon. That was my dream.

Well, I am 32 years old now, and after some major health setbacks in my life, that forced me to quit running altogether for a few years, I am back in my running shoes and training for my first marathon. My RA is still with me, but I'm not on any medications (I'm all about natural supplements and eating right), and I'm determined to see how far my body can (safely) go. If I can pull this marathon off, it will be a dream come true, as well as an inspiration to anyone suffering from RA. Don't limit yourself! Just be smart, listen to your body, and see how far it can take you.

P.S.: Someone mentioned compression socks--I highly recommend these. I wear the calf sleeves on my long runs, and they really do make a difference.

Kristina

10 Jun 2010, 04:28

I have had RA for 6 years and started to exercise when I got RA. I have increased the intensity slowly, but now I ran 3 marathons last year. I also compete in adventure races. I have had to some modifications on my mountianbike to get better grip and spend a fortune on good running shoes, but it is definitively worth it!
After competitions I always have less pain, often for 3-4 days and that is a great motivator!

kay

30 May 2010, 12:21

HI I'm 16 years old and just found out that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. My whole life has gone down the hill, Ive been doing cross country for about a year now and even duo my docter said I can run im not sure what to do. I wanna get better not worse, I wanna be able to go to college and live a normal life.

Sharon

16 May 2010, 21:54

I just turned 30 and have RA. I also have bone spurs on my feet. *Sigh* I am an extremely active person (i have done many half marathons and about 35 triathlons). I have not been given a course of medication yet, and while waiting for a doctor's appointment, I kept my same activity schedule. I use biking because, although it can aggravate my RA in my wrists and pointer finger knuckle joints, i feel that it is keeping them active and motivating blood to rush to those areas. Also, I run 3 times a week. I am currently training for my first marathon in June. I have been using compression socks on my hard weeks to increase blood flow and prevent blood pooling in your feet. It also speeds recovery. I also wear these socks when i am not running, on days my legs are fatigued and my feet hurt. Perhaps some people on this post could benefit from the same. Hope this reaches some of you and know that i am in the same boat in wanting to maintain my previous lifestyle while keeping RA at bay.

Ken

25 Apr 2010, 10:09

April-

Look into yoga. It's a great strength AND flexibility regime. Flexiblity is the key to staying young.

Best Wishes!

maria gonzales

16 Apr 2010, 20:50

I was diagnosed with RA about 15 years ago, I have been on methotrexate and plaquinill and arava, but lately my ankles are very swollen and can,t walk that well . My foot dr gave me 1 injection on each ankle and it has helped but they still hurt, I would like to how many times i can take those injections. I am scared to take Humera and all the other 4. There are to many side effects. I wish there were something natural to take. I am 71 years old

Dave

08 Apr 2010, 20:51

Frank!

I've been trying to get a hold of you! Daniel Peart is not returning my phone calls! He said the bank foreclosed on your house but there's no indication of foreclosure in Public Record! My clients are still interested! Please call me now, or at least have Daniel return my phone call!

Thanks,
Dave

April

17 Mar 2010, 14:16

Hi there. I am 32 years old. I was diagnosed 12 years ago with RA. I have been on all sorts of RA medicines. Methotrexate, Arava, Plaquenil, Remicade, Humira and Enbrel. I was a very active person before my RA. I had a very aggressive case that has caused a lot of damage where my knees are now bone on bone, I have bone spurs in my foot and hurt quite often. However, I don't hurt from my RA and right now I take Enbrel and Methotrexate. I have permanent joint damage and was on prednisone for over 4 years while they were trying to figure out the best course of treatment for me as I initially had very bad reactions to the meds. I am looking to be more active and exercise more but hurt so bad after I do. Any advice on what kind of workout routine I should be doing to lose some of this steroid weight??? Joined a gym and I think my trainer was an idiot because I explained to him that I had RA and he kept wanting me to do squats. I kept telling him I can't squat to save my life and my knees pop every time I try to even attempt anything. Help!!

Debra

16 Mar 2010, 10:21

I was diagnosed with RA about 3 years ago. I also have sjogrens and lupus. I was told to stop running by 2 different doctors. I was recently given the go ahead to run again. I am now training for a 1/2 marathon in June. I am up to 5 miles 3 to 4 times a week. I have added weight lifting on opposite days. I am feeling so much better. My ankles and knees are bothering me some, but not enough to keep me up at nights. I am so excited to be running again. I am just trying to stay healthy and not have to mess with my medications. I don't want to add more to the list. So far I am doing really well.

Lois Whalen

23 Feb 2010, 09:04

I was diagnosed with RA 6/06...have been taking methotrexate and enbrel. Not only do I hate taking the drugs but I feel I am getting much worse...I am 63 and just started Curves and am seriously thinking of alternative help...any advice?

Wendy

12 Jan 2010, 19:15

Thanks for all your posts. I was diagnosed with RA in 10/09 and Hashimoto's in 12/09. I am a year recovered from lower back surgery and have found this to be yet another huge setback. I have done 2 marathons and 2 tri's and wondered if I would even be able to run 2-3 times a week. I just started Enbrel and am hopeful that I will get the relief I am seeking to get back to a more active lifestyle- even if it's modified. Reading what you have writen gives the spirit a boost.

Joanne

08 Jan 2010, 15:20

I have been diagnosed with RA last year. Be careful, methotrexate can be heavy on the liver. I had side effects from plasmaquin: after a weeks on it I developed double vision and my psoriasis that has been in remisssion for a long timebecame quite bad again.Read the pamphlet with plamaquin there are some serious side effects that can develop. I now take natural alternatives. A good anti-inflammatory is MSM: Methylsulfonylmethane. It is relatively inexpensive. I increase or decrease the quantity as necessary. I also take daily a capsule called Touristarom Pranarom (natural malaria tablet - it smells a bit like citronella). I also take daily 2 Omega-3 capsules. It is also of utmost importance that anyone who does excercise does proper warm-up and stretching before and after the excecise. My daughter who is a professional dancer often stretches for nearly an hour before and after a performance. Now dont do what I did yesterday, ran unexpectedly 10km across the mountain and didnt do any before or after stretches. Today I'm suffering, not too badly from the RA, but my poor muscles....

Alayne Russom

20 Dec 2009, 22:49

Thank you for the post. I'm going to see a rheumatologist soon and was worried I'd have to stop running. All of your comments leaves me with hope! So far, just my left knee affected.

Mary

07 Dec 2009, 23:21

I have RA. It has affected my ankles and knees. The "flare ups" usually last for 4 weeks with 2 weeks off. I recently ran in a 5k run and as I am new to running I ended up walk/running the event. I had no problems before or during the run but that night (about 8 or 9 hrs later)the anterior part of my knees started to ache I took 800mg Ibueprofen and went to bed. I awoke a few hours later in excruciating pain in my knees(like bone breaking). I couldn't move or straighten them. After trying several minutes and screaming I was able to straighten both legs. Once straightened they didn't hurt. When I got up in the morning there was no pain. Has this happened to anyone else?

Sharon Beilinson

28 Nov 2009, 15:24

It was good to read all your comments. I was diagnosed with an inflammatory arthritis about 20 years ago - never quite had the diagnosis of RA (I think it is psoriatic). The last few years I have been in the best shape of my life and have competed in several triathlons. About two weeks ago, I started haved a "relapse" after being in remission for almost 12 years. I don't see my doctor until this Frida (5 days away). He is not athletic himself and I don't think he will understand how important for both my body and soul running and biking and skiing have been. Any advice? I'm afraid of losing a part of myself to this disease.

jenn

07 Nov 2009, 16:17

I hqve been an ironman athlete for years and was recently diagnosed with RA. I started prednisone and methotrexate today. Any advice? Wish me luck

alison lee

06 Nov 2009, 13:11

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2004 and am currently taking methotrexate. I jog 2 or 3 times a week, about 3-4 miles each time and love it. I sometimes wake up in the morning feeling a bit stiff especially in the hips but if anything the running helps losen them and always feel better afterwards. Have only had one flare up since taking the methotrexate and am fairly confident that the running actually helps the joints etc. Even if it doesn't it's so good for the soul!!

Maureen

01 Nov 2009, 19:37

I was diagnosed last year and have had to stop running due to the pain and weakness in my ankles. Is it advisable to run through it?

Carly

22 Sep 2009, 08:47

Has anyone been able to run/jog with RA in the ankles?

Anna

17 Sep 2009, 14:05

i have RA since i was 13, i am now 19. even though for a few years i didn't have my medications right, i didn't stop dancing. all through out high school i was on the dance team. My pain was never there, but recently i quite dancing and have let my self go and i have seen a huge change, like i am stiff in the morning and having pains through out the day. so i guess its time to get started back up on dancing!!!! but i have been taken off my fathers health insurance so i am not taken any medication. i was wondering if anyone has any ideas of things i can do to help my pain.???

Wendy

01 Sep 2009, 09:34

I was diagnosed with RA in 2001, started running in 2007. I'm in the best shape I have ever been in, medication is Enbrel only. I ran my first Half marathon in March 2009 and will run 3 more before the year is out. Running at least 15-20 miles a week is when I feel best. For runners with arthritis I would say running form is very important, you must eliminate heel striking and learn to run gently and smoothly. It isn't easy, but it is well worth the effort to learn to run properly.

FRANK BANAGA

02 Jun 2009, 08:57

I just finished my seventh marathon in San Diego 05/31/2009. In 2003 I was diagnosed with RA, 14.5mg of methotrexate and other drugs to keep my immune system down. For me I was never a runner or any kind of fitness person, but I found what I lost was the choice to run, to carry my daughter and even kick a ball to my son at the park, and I gained having to use handicap rest rooms etc. With all that Doctors know and don't know about RA and the triggers or switches that are in our body to start and stop the progression of RA, can extreme exersise keep our immune system down? Every book I have read about marathon training stresses that towards the end of the training program stay away from sick people because your immune system is beaten down. I feel that is working for me. Running myself into the ground and having fun every step of the way.

Kurtis

26 May 2009, 12:12

I've just been diagnosed with Osetoarthritis in the knees. I've been running for over 30 years. My knees began to bother me about a year ago. When I was diagnosed, I had just started training for a marathon - Chicago in October. Since my diagnosis, I have started to take better care of my knees - stretching, yoga, new shoes, etc. I'm still running and my knees feel a lot better - and my range of motion has improved. In fact, I'm running better - and my weight is coming down. But now I am worried that running will further damage my knee joints. Any advice?

LouAnn

25 May 2009, 14:53

I was just recently diagnosed with RA. I am really scared to even try the new injection drugs given the side effects. I feel as though these effects are worse than the RA. For years I've been actively working out and in great shape for age 53. I was doing a women's cardo bootcamp 2x week along with gym workout with various weights/machines for strength & body definition 2x week. I just woke up one morning with stiff swollen fingers, sore stiff knees & sore ankles. I am going back to Rheumotogist who did the diagnosis and trying to decide what treatment is best, necessary, & least side effects. So far what I've read about Humira is crazy frightening. I don't know why anyone would risk those types of side effects.

joanne ault

25 Mar 2009, 16:18

I am glad to find more information about RA and running. I am 39 and newly diagnosed with RA. I run 1-2 times/week (4-5 miles), but then become sore and unable to run for 4-5 more days. Every Oct. I run a half marathon, but I am now wondering if it is such a good idea....any thoughts???

shelby

09 Mar 2009, 12:03

I was diagnosed with RA 10 yrs ago, I have been a avid runner since my mid twenties. I have continued to run 6-8 mile 3-4 days a week as well as lift weights 4 days a week and add in some cross training. So far so good. My medication at this point is a low does antibiotic and a antiimflammatory I also take herbals. Stretching is more important as I get older, I turn 50 in April. There are those mornings that I am stiff, flu like symptoms but "cowboy up" as I know it helps my pain, and mood after I am done. I am running a 1/2 marathon in May '09 this is my 3rd....over 5 yrs...

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High-Intensity Exercise and Arthritis

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