How to Run With Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, you may feel as though you'll never be able to exercise again. This is a common misconception. Actually, rheumatoid arthritis patients receive many benefits from careful exercise, including increased mobility, joint function and pain management. Learn how to run again with rheumatoid arthritis.

Things You'll Need

• Running shoes
• Treadmill or outside track

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Choose good, supportive running shoes. Many people suffer rheumatoid arthritis in their feet and need specialized shoes. Get your shoes fitted at a specialty store, if possible. Shoes for rheumatoid arthritis should offer a deep toe box and good arch support, with a rigid or semi-rigid heel.

• 2

  Stretch and do range-of-motion activities before exercising. Putting your joints through their full range of motion before running or doing other strenuous activity will help prevent injuries. Strength training is beneficial to your joints as well, according to Harvard Health Publications (See References). Try using light weights two or three times a week.

• 3

  Try to run on a treadmill rather than the sidewalk; look for running surfaces that will be less jarring on your knees and other joints. Alternate walking and running as you improve your endurance.

• 4

  Don't push yourself too hard. If your joints are sore and tender, walk rather than run, and get plenty of rest. Save the aerobic exercises for days when you aren't experiencing swelling or extra pain.

• 5

  Avoid taking pain medications right before exercising. By blocking pain, they may hide your body's cues that your are overexerting or overusing your joints or muscles, resulting in unnecessary injuries.