Best Exercises for Bone Health With RA
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If you take corticosteroids for your RA, it’s a good idea to step up your exercise to help keep your bones strong. You will also strengthen the muscles that support your joints, so you’ll move better. You will also improve your heart health, energy level, mood, balance, and coordination.The best exercises for building bone are weight-bearing exercises, such as these:
Walking
It’s simple, free, and you can do it anywhere. A regular walking program strengthens your hip bones, ankles, and knees. To get the most benefits, walk for at least 30 minutes, 5 days a week. You can break that up into three 10-minute strolls, if you like.
Strength Training
You can use exercises with free weights, weight machines, or elastic exercise bands. Do it at a gym or at home with handheld weights, resistance bands, or even soup cans from your cupboard. Aim to do your exercises 2 to 3 days per week. A physical therapist or certified fitness trainer who has experience working with people with RA can get you started.
Yoga
It eases stiffness and tension, and some poses also help your bones. Talk to your physical therapist or find an instructor who has taught people with arthritis. Once you know the postures, you can practice at home.
Stationary Bikes and Elliptical Machines
Does RA affect your back and hips? You may want to try a recumbent bike, in which you sit down with your legs stretched in front of you. It may feel better than an upright bike.
Elliptical trainers give you a good workout and are easy on your knees.
New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopaedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.
New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopaedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.
Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopaedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.
If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.
