~Brianna~
Hi Brianna.
I'm new here, but like you enjoy sports and keeping fit. I'm in the middle of a bad flare (for 12 months now) of reactivr arthritis, that is affecting both kneesand back etc), but I have managed to keep using a stationary bike throughout. (It's kept my cardio fitness levels high and means I've retained good muscle strength in my legs.) In fact, it seems to temporarily reduce the swelling, rather than aggravate it.
I've had to give up other types of exercise at present, as even walking is too weight-bearing for my knee joints and makes them swell more. The other good exercise is swimming or aqua-jogging. I gave that a go, but it's not really my thing!
Good luck!
Hi Brianna,
I don't have any advice but I am 36 and I am a sports freak I have RA, I love volleyball and play twice a week, I also jog twice a week. My Rheumi reckons I should be a pin up girl for RA as I do so much, I suffer a fair bit of pain, but I think if I gave up my sports I would suffer more, the more active I am the better I feel about myself. Stay strong!!!
Brianna,
I really do not have much advice other. I would just say stay strong and don't give up.
I was recently diagnosed with RA with a little bit of osteo arthritis thrown in and I am trying to maintain some semblance of an exercise routine. Previous to my diagnosis I was very active. The rheumatologist said I will have difficulty running because of the OA in my big toe.
I am training for the Great MS Getaway...I will be riding 100 miles. Yesterday I did a training run of 65 miles and despite some aches and pains, I feel pretty okay today.
I will say my rheumatologist changed my anti-inflammatory this week. I think that really helped.
My case is mild.
Brianna,
See if your doctor will get you into some extra physical therapy to strengthen the areas that are causing you trouble. In particular, ask to be sent to sport physical therapy center as they have experience usually with both atheletes and RA.
Also, make sure that your disease is under control. If you are finding that it is harder to do activities that you are used to doing, they may need to evaluate your medications.
I'm new here and I keep seeing the same type of questions popping up. As a 42 year old athlete I do a few things to keep me rolling and hanging with the young guys. After workouts I ice any problem joints (this can change from day to day). It's very important to keep inflammation down. I've been watching my diet more staying away from inflammatory foods (this helps a lot). I've tried a few natural supplements, some work some don't. The two that I continue to take now are Dr Pauls Ultimate Relief Joint Forumla. I take this daily and when I crash on my mountain bike (happens more than I would like) or have a very hard cross-fit workout I'll take some Wobenzym. I was turned on to the Wobenzyme by Dr Paul. I called for info before buying and we talked about the sports I do. When I mentioned crashing and swelling he said that the Wobenzym was an excellent way to reduce swelling on top of his formula. It's not often you have someone selling a product telling you to try something else. I think a natural supplement, ice and good diet can help you keep playing your sports. For me Dr Pauls daily and Wobenzym as needed has made a huge change in stiffness and pain relief.Treatment for JRA should ensure that any joints are not further damaged and improve the function of joints and reduce pain in affected areas. JRA could be treated by:
-Medication: there are many different kinds of medications like Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids based on the effect of JRA on a person and age of the patient.
-Physical therapy: this includes massage, heat-cold treatment and ultrasound. Exercise is very important to overcome JRA.
-Splints: sustains the joints and reduces pain.
-Surgery: this is done for severe JRA cases.