Runner recently diagnosed with RA

I'm certainly not an athlete but as someone who's had the disease for over 20 years I can tell you that you will need to work at finding the correct balance of exercise without overdoing it. I think all of us at some time overdid the exercise and paid dearly for it.....that's how we learned what was right for us.

I would suggest you opt for less strenuous forms of exercise. distance is better than speed.

As far as diet. Just keep a normal, healthy weight.

I'd agree with Lynn about overdoing the exercise (8 years RA).

I cycle every day, which takes the weight off my knees, which is where my greatest pains lie these days. In fact people were always surprised to see me 'still' cycling, assuming it would be tougher than walking, but it's not. It's a lot easier to get around on a bike for me.

My rheumy always told me that non weight-bearing exercise is good and, when there's maximum inflammation, swimming is best. In fact walking through water, I was told, is the very best, and in the days I had access to a swimming pool, that's what I also did.

Swimming itself can be tough if the shoulders and knees are inflamed because water tends to push your limbs in odd directions, which can sometimes create extra pain. But as you're an atheletic person, it's possible that that kind of pain wouldn't trouble you – and it may not be damaging.

You'd have to check that one out.

I had always been a dancer, too, but had to limit my dance stints quite consciously and against all inclination because of the misery in my joints the next day.

But, having said all that, all exercise has to be good. Just think about reining yourself in before you start to feel it, rather than after, which will take trial and error.

As for food.... well people will suggest all kinds of anti inflammatory diets and there are some things that are better than others, of course (avoid heaps of coffee for example). But in the main, though a healthy diet is always good, it will not make much a difference to the RA as such.

 

Hi there. Don't give up all hope of returning to exercise & especially your running. As ,an ex runner myself I know how daunting that can seem. Believe it or not it's still early days for your Mtx and depending how you manage on it the dose could be increased. I have 20grm of Mtx plus 50grm of Enbrel a week both in injection form. I have RA  in my feet, hands/wrists, shoulders and osteoarthritis in my big toes and starting in my knees. I go to the gym regularly and bowling. Exercise IS ok & good for you. I didn't go back to running but know others who have - right up to marathons. Eat as normal , very little alcohol with Mtx as it can affect your liver . I was also told no soft or blue cheese , no pate, no liver and no dishes with uncooked eggs. Make sure you have a flu shot and be aware that you may be more susceptible to infection as Mtx compromises your immune system. Good luck but get back to me if I can offer more help or advice.

I am a spin instructor.  I have had RA for about 18 months.  I'm on metho also.  I am still in pain but with the meds, can get out of bed and move.  What I found if I could bear the pain and get on the bike and start pedeling, in about 15-30 seconds the pain was gone and I could teach a class.  Now once I'm off the bike, all bets are off.  Keep moving, that's my motto.  I lift weights too, not real heavy ones though.  Once again, if I can just start working those joints, they ease up.  Again, once I stop, it's back to pain.  I think food and drink affects RA sufferers differently.  Foods with a lot of acid will affect some, I know one person who can't eat any pork.  White wine can do it.  I think you just have to test them and see what works for you.