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Exercises for rheumatoid arthritis in the hands: 9 Exercises to Help Hand Arthritis

Tips and what to avoid

For people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), exercise can be hugely beneficial for relieving pain and joint stiffness. Exercises can include walking, yoga, Pilates, water exercises, and more.

People with RA who exercise may experience less pain than those who do not. Exercise can reduce painful symptoms, improve joint function and flexibility, increase range of motion, and boost mood.

It is best to seek medical advice before starting any exercise program and work with a doctor and a physical therapist to develop a tailored exercise plan.

The following types of exercise may help relieve the pain, joint stiffness, swelling, and other symptoms that RA can cause:

1. Stretching

According to the Arthritis Foundation, stretching can help improve flexibility, reduce stiffness, and increase range of motion.

The ideal stretching routine will differ for each person and depend on which joints are affected and their symptoms. Typically, stretches involve moving the joints of the knees, hands, and elbows gently and slowly.

A typical stretching routine may consist of the following:

  • Warming up by walking on the spot or pumping the arms while sitting or standing for 3–5 minutes.
  • Holding each stretch for 20–30 seconds before releasing it.
  • Repeating each stretch 2–3 times. Using a yoga strap might help people maintain proper form while stretching.

Learn more about stretching routines.

2. Walking

Walking is a low impact exercise that can help with aerobic conditioning, heart and joint health, and mood.

It is essential to wear proper shoes and stay hydrated, even if the walking is not strenuous. Start walking slowly initially and then increase the pace when possible.

Learn more about the benefits of walking.

3. Flowing movements, such as tai chi and yoga

Both tai chi and yoga combine deep breathing, flowing movements, gentle poses, and meditation. They increase flexibility, balance, and range of motion while also reducing stress.

It is possible to find free online videos or apps for tai chi or yoga workouts, including some yoga workouts specifically for people with RA. A person should always talk with their doctor before starting a yoga or tai chi practice.

Learn more about yoga.

4. Pilates

Pilates is a low impact activity that can increase flexibility for enhanced joint health.

Doing Pilates poses that activate the core muscles and emphasize movements that help with stability can be helpful. Pilates can be good for overall movement patterns, similar to tai chi and yoga.

If possible, people new to Pilates should begin slowly and seek guidance from a certified trainer.

Learn how to do more exercises for the core.

5. Water exercises

Water helps support body weight by minimizing gravity, which means that water exercises do not impact heavily on the joints.

Swimming, water aerobics, and other gentle water exercises can increase flexibility, range of motion, strength, and aerobic conditioning. People often refer to these as forms of hydrotherapy. They can also reduce joint stress and stiffness.

Learn more about hydrotherapy.

6. Cycling

As RA increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, keeping the heart as healthy as possible is vital. Cycling can help improve cardiovascular function.

Riding a stationary bike can be a safe way to get the joints moving and improve cardiovascular fitness. A benefit of a stationary bike is that a person can exercise in a controlled environment and under supervision if necessary. A person can also ride their bike outdoors to get fresh air.

Discover more about the benefits of cycling.

7. Strength training

Strengthening the muscles around the affected joints can help increase strength while reducing pain and other RA symptoms.

Using a resistance band is a way to challenge the body and build muscle over time. A physical therapist who works with people with RA should be able to offer guidance on suitable exercises.

Learn more about strength training.

8. Hand exercises

RA can sometimes lead to limited use of the hands and wrists. A person with RA may lose grip strength or find that they are dropping things.

Bending the wrists up and down, slowly curling the fingers, spreading the fingers wide on a table, and squeezing a stress ball can all help increase strength and flexibility in the hands.

Discover 8 hand exercises for arthritis relief.

9. Gardening and other activities

Low stress activities, such as light gardening, can benefit a person with RA. A person can avoid overstraining by avoiding bending and twisting in ways that can aggravate the lower back. A gardener should hinge at the hips when working in the garden.

Learn how RA affects the hips.

The tips below may improve safety and comfort when exercising with RA:

  • Be consistent: It is important to exercise consistently to achieve meaningful results. A person with RA will benefit from consistent and lifelong aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises.
  • Seek variety: Doing a variety of exercises and mixing up the daily routine can help people avoid overworking one set of muscles or particular joints.
  • Listen to the body: It is important for people with RA to remain as physically active as possible. However, it is equally crucial to avoid discomfort or injuries. People can reduce exercise intensity on days when symptoms are more severe.
  • Use the right equipment: Padded yoga mats, supportive footwear and clothing, and resistance bands can help people exercise more comfortably.
  • Work with a physical therapist: Working with a physical therapist specializing in RA can help develop a safe and appropriate exercise routine.

Learn more about physical therapy for RA.

Below are some FAQ relating to RA and exercise.

What exercises should be avoided with RA?

People with RA should avoid strenuous exercise or any exercises that cause pain. However, RA is different for everybody, and there are no specific exercises that everyone with RA should avoid. For example, a person with RA in their hands might not be able to exercise in the same way as someone with RA in their feet.

Learn what exercises to avoid with hip RA.

What activities worsen RA?

High impact exercises that involve twisting or compressing joints may worsen RA symptoms if a person does not perform them correctly. Working with a professional to ensure proper form and starting slowly at low intensity can help a person build safe high intensity performance.

Learn more about physical therapy and how it can help with RA.

Does exercise reduce inflammation in RA?

Exercise can reduce inflammation in RA, lessen pain symptoms and improve flexibility.

Learn more about joint inflammation.

Can exercise reverse RA?

Exercise cannot reverse RA, but it can help people to manage symptoms and improve joint health.

Learn about other natural remedies for RA.

Exercise is usually helpful for people with RA. It offers various benefits, including relieving symptoms, improving joint function, building strength, increasing flexibility, helping daily functioning, improving aerobic fitness, and boosting mood. It can reduce RA flares and make the symptoms of this condition easier to manage.

If possible, a person should work with a doctor and physical therapist to develop a personalized exercise program for the best possible results.

Read the article in Spanish.

Pictures and the necessary equipment

Arthritis refers to joint inflammation. It can be a very painful condition. Hand arthritis is particularly difficult to manage, but certain exercises can help reduce pain and stiffness.

In this article, learn about hand exercises for arthritis, with specific instructions and advice.

This article will also cover some other treatment options for arthritis.

Hand exercises can reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling while improving joint flexibility.

The key is to do the exercises regularly. Also, developing a routine will help maintain that consistency.

While doing these exercises, be sure to move slowly, breathe deeply, and stop if there is any tension or pain. Also, check with a healthcare professional or physical therapist for the best routine.

Here are some recommended exercises for hand arthritis:

1. Hand clench

  1. Begin by straightening the fingers out.
  2. Slowly bend the hand into a fist.
  3. Keep the thumb on the outside of the hand.
  4. Hold this position for a couple of seconds, then repeat.
  5. Do around 10 reps once per day. People can do so more regularly if the exercise is comfortable and pain-free.

2. Thumb and finger lift

  1. Place the hands on a table, palm down and body-width apart.
  2. Begin by lifting the thumbs off the table as far as is comfortable and holding for 5 seconds, then rest.
  3. Repeat with the index finger, then the following fingers in turn.
  4. While one finger is raised, make sure that the others remain flat.
  5. Complete 10 sets around twice per day.

3. Thumb stretch

  1. Looking at the palm of the hand, relax the fingers into a neutral position.
  2. Bend the thumb across the palm, touching the bottom of the small finger. If this is difficult, just stretch as far as possible.
  3. Repeat multiple times with each hand.

4. Finger and thumb touch

  1. From the same position as the thumb stretch, bring the tip of the thumb together with the tip of each finger one by one.
  2. Complete 10 sets twice per day on each hand.

5. Side-to-side wrist bend

  1. Place the forearm flat on a table, with the palms of the hands facing down.
  2. Bend the wrist as far as possible to the left, hold for 2 seconds, then bend the wrist back to the center.
  3. Repeat this movement to the right, hold for 2 seconds, then move back to the center. This is one set.
  4. Complete 10 sets twice per day on each hand.

6. Finger curl

  1. Hold the hand up with the fingers straight and close together.
  2. Bend the end and middle joints of fingers tightly until the fingertips touch the skin on the hand.
  3. Slowly return the fingers to a vertical position.
  4. Repeat the finger curl 10 times twice per day.

7. Ball exercises

Many exercises work well with a stress ball, soft ball, or tennis ball. They help increase flexibility and improve strength.

Such exercises include:

  • Full grip: Perform this exercise a couple of times each week, with a few days of rest in-between.
    1. Squeeze a stress ball in the hand as hard as possible.
    2. Release after a few seconds.
    3. Repeat 10–15 times on each hand.
  • Palm press:
    1. Place a stress ball between the palms, with the forearms in a vertical position.
    2. Press and hold for 3–5 seconds, then release.
    3. Repeat 10 times.
  • Finger grip:
    1. Place a stress ball between the tip of a finger and the thumb.
    2. Press and hold for 3–5 seconds, then rest.
    3. Repeat 10 times with each finger, rest for 1 minute, then do the same with the other hand.
  • Roll to and fro:
    1. Roll a stress ball from the palm up to each thumb and finger individually, gently stretching each digit.
    2. Roll the ball back down to the palm.
    3. Repeat.

8. Soft hand massage

To perform a soft hand massage, massage the palm with the opposite thumb using short strokes. Also, massage the fingers starting at the tips, then pushing down toward the palms.

Always remember to be gentle with each exercise and stop if they become painful.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 32.5 million people in the United States.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between the joints wears down as a person gets older. This causes pain and inflammation in the affected area of the body.

Other symptoms can include:

  • aching
  • stiffness
  • a reduced range of motion
  • reduced flexibility
  • swelling

Inflammatory types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. In these types of arthritis, the immune system attacks the cartilage between joints.

Learn more about the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis here.

Hand arthritis can also develop due to trauma, such as fractures. This is known as post-traumatic arthritis. An injured joint is more vulnerable and therefore more likely to become arthritic than a healthy joint.

Numerous other factors can cause hand arthritis. These include:

  • Joint overuse or injury: Repetitive use of specific joints can contribute to an increased risk of osteoarthritis. Broken and dislocated bones can also increase the risk.
  • Sex: According to the CDC, women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, especially after the age of 50. Also, one 2017 study reveals that the lifetime risk of symptomatic hand osteoarthritis is much higher among women.
  • Age: Because the joints degenerate over time, older adults are more at risk.

If any symptoms of arthritis arise, it is important to address them.

Hand exercises are not the only option to relieve pain and increase mobility in osteoarthritis. In fact, there are a wide range of other treatment options available.

The sections below will look at these in more detail.

Pain relief medications

Findings from a 2019 study revealed that prescription prednisolone, which is a steroid, can be an effective treatment for inflammation.

Another effective steroid treatment includes injections of cortisone. This is a powerful anti-inflammatory, and it can relieve symptoms for several weeks at a time.

If a person is looking for OTC treatments for relief, one 2010 review states that ibuprofen is effective at relieving pain and inflammatory symptoms in many types of arthritis.

However, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional before using any medication to help manage arthritis symptoms.

Protective splints

Using a protective splint can reduce strain on the joints.

Resting splints can help alleviate pain in arthritic hands. They support the joints and allow those in the hand to rest. They also help reduce inflammation.

Heat and cold therapy

Heat and cold therapy can alleviate pain in arthritic hands.

When using a heat pad, apply the heat two to three times per day for 20–30 minutes. Paraffin wax provides moist heat, which can also be effective in reducing pain.

When using a cold pack, hold it against the hand for 10–20 minutes at a time, with a towel or pillowcase between the skin and the cold pack.

In severe cases of arthritis, particularly in the fingers, a doctor may recommend surgery. However, they would explore all other treatment options first.

Hand arthritis can have a major impact on day-to-day life, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Although medication is an option, doctors tend to recommend a hand exercise routine.

Eating a healthful diet and making positive lifestyle choices will help prevent the onset of some types of arthritis.

After receiving a diagnosis, a person can still play an active role in controlling their symptoms and pain levels.

How to do exercise therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often avoid physical activity, they stop playing sports, exercise and generally try to move as little as possible. They can be understood: a person with sore, inflamed joints is the last thing he wants to do exercises or go for a run. However, the human body is designed to work. Therefore, when it becomes insufficient, the muscles become weak, the ligaments and tendons lose their elasticity, and the mobility of the joints decreases. Because of this, pain and a feeling of stiffness only intensify [3].

To feel good, it is not necessary to spend hours in the gym – it is enough to do a set of physical therapy exercises every day, monitor your well-being and have a balanced diet.

How to eat with RA to reduce joint pain and stiffness

Foods to help reduce inflammation and pain. What the research says. Food plate for rheumatoid arthritis.

Read

Exercise therapy is not an alternative to drugs

Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise. The doctor should choose a set of exercises that takes into account the characteristics of your particular disease. Ask your doctor to show you the correct exercise technique, this will help to avoid injury and distribute the load correctly.

What the science says about exercise therapy

👉 The authors of a scientific review of exercise for people with rheumatoid arthritis claim that physical activity slows down joint destruction and improves self-esteem: patients experience reduced pain, symptoms of depression, improved sleep. Resistance training reduces inflammation and increases muscle strength. The main difficulties faced by patients during the studies were the loss of motivation and lack of knowledge [6].

​👉 A review looking at the effects of exercise on rheumatoid arthritis states that any exercise is better than no exercise. However, a set of specific exercises, the frequency and intensity of their implementation should be selected separately for each patient [5].

​👉 The authors of clinical studies in which patients completed a comprehensive rehabilitation program, which included exercise therapy, noted that patients had a decrease in disease activity and it became easier for them to perform various activities in everyday life [1].

​👉 Hydrotherapy helps reduce pain and improve well-being in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the short term. What benefit will be in the long term is not yet known [4].

Use a chart to track progress

Versus Arthritis offers a chart to track progress. Write down what exercises you do, how many sets and reps. Increase the load gradually. It is better to do little, but often [3].

How to do exercise during a flare-up

During mild inflammation, stretching can be done to maintain joint flexibility and avoid small muscle atrophy. In order to spend less energy, break one 30-minute stretch into three sets of 10 minutes each.

In case of a severe exacerbation, it is better to give the joints a rest and stop stretching for a day, or at least halve the amount of exercise [8, 11, 12].

During acute inflammation, exercises to strengthen the muscles should not be done. It is better to wait a few days for the inflammation to subside [3].

If you experience pain during exercise

Stop exercising if you experience severe, sharp pain. Reduce the number of repetitions or replace the exercise with another one. Ice or frozen foods wrapped in a towel can be applied to hot and inflamed joints for 10-15 minutes.

If muscle pain persists for several days after the first workout, it’s okay – you may just have done a little more than required, and in the future you should adjust the load. With regular exercise after a workout, you should not feel too tired. If pain and fatigue persist, rest for a couple of days, and then start exercising again, but at first do fewer sets and repetitions than usual [3].

  1. Stop exercising
  2. Apply a cold object to the joint
  3. Rest for a few days
  4. If the pain persists, see a doctor

How to find more exercise

Find more different races weights and exercises for all muscle groups can be found on the Internet at

👉 Exercises

Exercise therapy for rheumatoid arthritis0003

👉 Stretch marks

Stretching for rheumatoid arthritis

Stretching for rheumatoid arthritis s, physiotherapists, rehabilitologists explain in detail and show the technique performing exercises.

Stretching exercises

Muscle stretching helps reduce pain and increase joint mobility, making it easier for patients to perform daily activities. If you ignore the recommendations and do not perform these exercises, the ligaments and tendons around the joints will become tight.

The organization Versus Arthritis offers the following exercises for stretching, but you can use others, for example, yoga, after discussing this with your doctor [3].

👋 Perform exercises smoothly, holding the desired position for 5-10 seconds. Then relax and return to the starting position. Repeat each movement if possible 5-10 times, avoiding sudden jerks. Stretch the joints in a comfortable and acceptable range for you, do not perform the exercise through pain. The whole complex is recommended to be performed 2 times a day.

Finger stretch

This exercise will improve hand function: over time, it will become easier for you to drive a car, cook, brush your teeth, etc. WebMD recommends that you dip your hands in warm water with Epsom salts before stretching your fingers to relax small muscles [8, 9].

  1. Make a fist and then straighten your fingers.
  2. Bend the first two knuckles and then straighten them as shown.

Neck Stretch

  1. Sitting or standing with a straight back, turn your head first to one side and then to the other.
  2. Sitting or standing with a straight back, lower your chin to your chest, and then return to the starting position.
  3. Sitting or standing with a straight back, pull your chin back and then return to the starting position.

Foot Stretch

Stiffness in the feet can interfere with a person’s gait, so foot and ankle exercises can help prevent lameness. The foot can be stretched while sitting in a chair or lying in bed when you first wake up. Keeping your feet elevated during the exercise will help reduce swelling [9].

  1. Pull your foot towards you with your fingertips, and then straighten it.
  2. Slowly rotate your foot first to one side and then to the other, as if you were drawing a circle with your fingertips.

Hip and knee stretching

Regular hip and knee stretching can help you walk without additional support or even run short distances [9].

  1. Sit with knees bent and feet together. Try to press your knees to the floor, helping yourself with your hands. You can spread your knees while lying on your back, keeping your feet together.
  2. Lie on your back. Pull each knee to your chest in turn, keeping the other leg straight.

Shoulder Stretch

The first two shoulder exercises can be done in the shower. Warm water will relax the muscles, so it will be easier to raise and turn the arms [13].

  1. Stand up straight, relax and lower your arms. Then lift your arms up and back as far as you can.
  2. Put your hands behind your head and then lower them and put them behind your back.
  3. Lie on your back. Raise your arms and reach behind your head as far as you can.

Back Stretch

  1. Lie on your back with your hands behind your head or on your belt if you have shoulder pain. Bend your knees and, without taking your feet off the floor, slowly roll your knees to the other side. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 3 times for each side.
  2. Lie on your back, bend your knees. Raise one knee and bring it to your chest. It is important that the shoulder blades rest on the floor. Hold this position and then switch legs.
  3. Not recommended if you have pain in your hands. Lie on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders, palms down. Straighten your arms to arch your back. The thighs should be pressed to the floor.
  4. Standing with your hands on your belt, lean to the side until you feel a ​stretch in your back muscles. Hold this position for a while, and then lean to the other side.

Strengthening exercises

In addition to the exercises suggested below, it is important to exercise all muscle groups. This can be cycling, Nordic walking, swimming, etc. For information on how to do different sports that doctors often recommend for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, read the #sports tag.

👋 Do these exercises every day. Start with a few repetitions, and then gradually increase their number so that the muscles have time to get used to the load. During training, monitor your well-being.

Finger exercises

  1. Place your open hand on a towel.
  2. With your hand on the table, press your fingers together, squeezing a towel between them.

Wrist Exercises

  • Place one hand on a table, palm down. Cover it with the second palm perpendicular to the first so that it covers the knuckles of the lower hand. Pull your lower hand up with your fingers. You should feel how the muscles of the forearm work.

Hand exercises

  1. Standing with a straight back, bend your arm at the elbow and then straighten it. In order to create resistance, you can take some object in your hand – a bag of cereal, a large fruit. If you find it difficult to hold an object, you can use special wrist weights.
  2. ​Stand upright with a weight or weights in your hands and raise your arms as high as you can, then slowly lower.
  3. Stand up straight with a load or weights in your hands. Stretch your arms along the body. Slowly spread your arms in different directions, linger in this position for 5 seconds, and then slowly lower. Make sure your elbows remain straight.

Knee exercises

Each exercise is recommended to be performed 5 times, holding the position for 5-10 seconds. The whole complex is performed 2 times a day.

  1. ​Stand up from a chair without using your hands for support. Repeat several times until you feel tired.
  2. Place each foot in turn on a step or step platform. Repeat until rapid breathing appears. You can hold on to the railing.
  3. Hold onto the back of a chair or other support. In turn, raise each leg bent at the knee as high as possible, as if you are trying to reach your chest with your knee. Repeat several times.
  4. Sit on the edge of a chair or bed. Cross your legs. Start straightening your lower leg and bending your back leg to tighten your thigh muscles. Hold the tension for 10 seconds and then relax and switch legs.
  5. Sit on the edge of a chair or bed with your feet flat on the floor. Raise your fully extended leg, hold this position for a few seconds, and then slowly lower. Repeat with the other leg. When the exercise becomes quite easy, you can use special leg weights.

Hydrotherapy

​Hydrotherapy is a special exercise in water performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Hydrotherapy is considered one of the safest non-drug treatments for arthritis [2].

  • Classes are held in a special pool with warm water 33-36 ℃. This helps to relax the muscles and increase joint mobility [7].
  • In water, a person’s weight becomes less, because of this, the load on the joints decreases [3].
  • During such exercises, almost all the muscles of the body are involved. And the exercises themselves are performed slowly, because the main task is to learn how to relax and control your body [3].

5 tips to help you start swimming with rheumatoid arthritis

Learn how to start swimming with rheumatoid arthritis. We also talk about hydrotherapy, water aerobics and water walking.

Read

It is not necessary to be able to swim in order to practice hydrotherapy: in special pools, the depth is not higher than the chest, and there are also steps and handrails so that the patient can enter it independently. Some pools have exercise equipment – crossbars, exercise bikes, treadmills. You can bring water equipment, such as armlets or a vest, to feel calmer, but it is better to discuss this issue in advance with the health worker who will conduct the class [10].

Even if you don’t seem to be tired at all, don’t exercise more than necessary. This can lead to overtraining and ruin plans for the next couple of days [2].

Therapeutic exercise for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by deformity of the joints, limitation of their mobility and development of contractures (immobility). To reduce symptoms in the treatment, exercise therapy, massage, swimming and physiotherapy are used. Therapeutic exercise for rheumatoid arthritis is aimed at strengthening the ligaments and muscles, increasing the range of motion in the joints and slowing down pathological reactions. Exercise therapy is indicated for almost all patients. With significant restrictions, it is possible to perform breathing exercises.

The main condition for exercise therapy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is regular exercise and a systematic increase in load. Do not exercise with effort. After proper physical activity, the patient should experience a surge of strength and a decrease in stiffness.

Hand exercises

In rheumatoid arthritis, the joints of the fingers are most commonly affected. Usually, the hand takes on the characteristic appearance of a flipper, which leads to a limitation of its functionality and disability.

To reduce the rate of deformation, it is desirable:

  • do not move your fingers towards the little finger;
  • reduce the load on the fingertips;
  • ensure the correct position of the hand at rest;
  • write only with cone-shaped thickened pens;
  • correctly perform household activities, trying to ensure that the axis of movement in the joints does not deviate to the side;
  • use orthoses (devices that restrict mobility) at night.

Here is one of the exercise therapy exercises for hand injuries

Each exercise should be performed 5-7 times depending on the patient’s condition. There should be no pain during exercise

  1. Starting position: hands in front of you next to each other.

Turn palms up and down alternately.

2. Put the hands on the table and raise and lower them first, and then only the fingers.

3. Hands clenched into fists, extended forward. Rotate the brushes clockwise and counterclockwise.

4. Put your elbows on the table, squeeze your palms, spread and bring your elbows together without lifting them from the surface.

5. Make movements up and down, right and left and circular movements alternately with each of the fingers.

6. Touch the thumb with each finger, as if grasping something round.

7. Squeeze and decompress the soft ball in your hand, roll it on the surface.

8. Rotate the hands in the wrist joint (while trying to relax the palm).

9. Move your fingers over the stick from bottom to top.

10. Rub your palms together.

Shoulder girdle exercises

It is very important to observe the correct breathing rhythm during the exercises

1. Raise and lower the shoulders, make circular movements back and forth.

2. Put your palms on your shoulders, alternately bring your elbows forward.

3. Grasping your elbows with your palms, raise and lower them.

4. Lying on your back, bend, raise and lower straightened arms.

5. Put your hands on your belt and alternately put them behind your head.

6. Embrace yourself.

Leg exercises

1. Lying on your back, bend the leg at the knee joint without lifting the soles from the surface (gliding steps).

2. Exercise “Bicycle”.

3. Legs bent at the knees, spread apart and bring back.

4. Swings with a straightened leg lying and standing, holding on to a support.

5. Circular movements in the hip joint with the leg bent at the knee.

6. Raising straight legs to the sides in the prone position.

7. Circular movements with a straight leg.

Exercises for the ankle joint

In rheumatoid arthritis, the ankle joint is rarely affected, but its deformity quickly leads to limitation of movement and disability.

To prevent contracture, it is recommended to perform the following complex :

1.