Rheumatoid arthritisFitness & exercisePain management

Can exercise help rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Exercise is an important part of the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Watch as rheumatologist Natalie Azar, MD, discusses how exercise helps improve pain and stiffness, and also strengthens the muscles around the joints to offer more support.

LearnInflammationArthritisCan exercise help rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Up Next

  • Can exercise reduce arthritis pain?

  • How does physical therapy help with joint pain and stiffness?

  • What is the best lifestyle change for rheumatoid arthritis?

  • How can I tell if my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment is working?

  • Is joint pain different in rheumatoid arthritis than osteoarthritis?

  • How to prevent losing muscle with rheumatoid arthritis

  • Can rheumatoid arthritis be mistaken for osteoarthritis?

  • Stay active with rheumatoid arthritis

  • What's the best way to stay fit with rheumatoid arthritis?

  • Can steroid injections relieve pain?

Up Next

  • Can exercise reduce arthritis pain?

  • How does physical therapy help with joint pain and stiffness?

  • What is the best lifestyle change for rheumatoid arthritis?

  • How can I tell if my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment is working?

  • Is joint pain different in rheumatoid arthritis than osteoarthritis?

  • How to prevent losing muscle with rheumatoid arthritis

  • Can rheumatoid arthritis be mistaken for osteoarthritis?

  • Stay active with rheumatoid arthritis

  • What's the best way to stay fit with rheumatoid arthritis?

  • Can steroid injections relieve pain?

AskMDAskMD

Curious about Rheumatoid arthritis?

Get instant answers from our AI health assistant

Ask Now

Recommended for you

Use these moves to ease pain and boost energy.

The best exercises for rheumatoid arthritis
Slideshow

Try these 3 tips to build boost your muscle mass and combat rheumatoid arthritis weakness.

Preventing loss of muscle in rheumatoid arthritis
Article

Find out if this approach to treatment could help ease your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

When to consider combination therapy for RA
Article

Use this guide to learn how to most effectively treat your rheumatoid arthritis.

Questions to ask your healthcare provider about rheumatoid arthritis
Article

If you’re looking for a fun, low impact exercise, cycling could be for you. Before you hop on a bike, try these suggestions.

8 tips to bike ride safely
Article
AskMDHow can I be more consistent?
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.

ask-mdask-md
AskMD by Sharecare LogoAskMD by Sharecare Logo
Privacy policyConsumer health data privacyTerms of use
Cookie policyYour privacy choices

© 2026 Sharecare, Inc.