Enbrel and exercise | Arthritis Information

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Hi there,
I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with exercising while on Enbrel. I've been taking it since October, and it has worked great. Recently I decided to start running again, and my symptoms are starting to return. Could there be a connection, or just really bad timing?
Thanks!
Pxyz

ronbn562011-03-09 08:19:01PnJ, talk to your RD about exercise.  Running puts a tremendous amount of stress on your lower extremity joints.  RA is already stressing the joints by causing inflammation.  Exercise is great for individuals with RA but pounding and weights are not so great.  There are many exericises that don't stress the joints to such a degree. 

 
I was a runner for years until RA arrived on the scene and I changed my exercise program over the years to accomodate the severity of the disease.  Now I can do water exercises, tai chi, gentle yoga and some weight lifting.  You'll have to experiment and see what works best for you and it's also a possibility that you'll achieve clinical remission with the meds and be able to jog comfortably.  One never knows with this disease. 
 
The above post was generated by a group of litigation attorneys.  I suggest you do your own research and find the most qualified info about the disease and treatments available and their side effects and complications.  Lindy
Thank you Lin,
I guess what's confusing to me is that the pain is in my wrists and fingers more than in the joints I am putting under stress. I will tell my RD, but I don't want to be told to stop running... I haven't been this happy in a long time, as RA has pretty much changed my life.

Thank you for your reply. I know stopping running is coming down the pike. I see you've been there already. Sigh.

PPnj,
 
Hi there. If the pain were just in the knees and ankles, I would say maybe just straining joints and muscles and tendons that hadn't been used for a while. But, if the other joints are aching also, could be just coincidence. You may be going thru a flare. Any time I am sick, I flare. Because when we are sick, our immune systems kick into overdrive and produce extra inflammation. But as LinB says, talk with the Dr. And you never know. You may be able to run for the rest of your life. We have some fantastic new drugs that actually let us live a fairly normal life. Good luck and keep the faith..
 
LEV
I have exercised all my life but have had to alter my workouts based on my RA symptoms. Enbrel has given most of it all back to me but, alas, my feet are very sensitive, and running, or kicking a ball are definitely out for good. I do lift weights and do other low impact cardio. Based on my experience, I would have to agree that your flare may just be a coincidence. Under such circumastances, give your body a rest and trying running when you feel better.Thank you for your input. I'm now thinking it's just bad timing. I bought a ski pass today for next ski season, and I'm pushing through the pain to run. I know full well my days could be numbered here, but hoping with a passion that this will go back into hiding like it has since October.

You all made me feel better that I'm probably not causing this flare, though. Thanks!
P
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