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Is it advisable to do exercise when affected by Scleroderma? Which activities would you suggest and how intense should they be?

See if it is advisable for people with Scleroderma to practice sports and which ones are the most recommended if you have Scleroderma

Scleroderma sports

Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the connective tissues in the body. It is characterized by the hardening and tightening of the skin and can also affect internal organs, blood vessels, and the digestive system. While there is no cure for scleroderma, managing the symptoms and maintaining overall health is crucial for individuals with this condition.



Exercise can be beneficial for individuals with scleroderma as it can help improve flexibility, joint mobility, muscle strength, and overall well-being. However, it is important to approach exercise with caution and tailor it to individual capabilities and limitations. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a rheumatologist or physical therapist, is highly recommended before starting any exercise program.



Low-impact exercises are generally recommended for individuals with scleroderma as they are gentle on the joints and minimize the risk of injury. These exercises can include:




  • Walking: Walking is a great low-impact exercise that can be easily incorporated into daily routine. Start with shorter distances and gradually increase the duration and intensity as tolerated.

  • Swimming: Swimming and water aerobics are excellent options as they provide resistance without putting stress on the joints. The buoyancy of water also helps reduce pressure on the skin.

  • Cycling: Cycling, either outdoors or on a stationary bike, is another low-impact exercise that can help improve cardiovascular fitness and leg strength.

  • Yoga: Yoga focuses on gentle stretching, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. It can help improve flexibility, balance, and reduce stress levels.

  • Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a slow and gentle martial art that promotes relaxation, balance, and flexibility. It can be particularly beneficial for individuals with scleroderma.



Intensity of exercise should be individualized and based on the person's overall health, fitness level, and disease severity. It is important to listen to the body and avoid overexertion. Starting with shorter durations and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of exercise is recommended.



Warm-up and cool-down exercises are essential before and after each exercise session. This helps prepare the body for physical activity and prevents injury. Gentle stretching exercises can be performed to warm up the muscles and joints, followed by a cool-down period to gradually bring the heart rate back to normal.



Monitoring symptoms during and after exercise is crucial. If any unusual symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or severe fatigue occur, it is important to stop exercising and seek medical attention.



Other considerations for individuals with scleroderma include wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure, staying hydrated, and maintaining a balanced diet to support overall health.



In conclusion, exercise can be beneficial for individuals with scleroderma, but it should be approached with caution and tailored to individual capabilities. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and Tai Chi are generally recommended. The intensity of exercise should be gradually increased, and monitoring symptoms is important. Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to develop an appropriate exercise program that suits individual needs and limitations.


Diseasemaps
14 answers
Do cardio and yoga, at least twice a week, As they help removing toxins from the body

Posted Apr 1, 2017 by Fashah 1150
Listen to your body. Mild exercises ,like walking, stretching. No high impact exercises.

Posted Apr 1, 2017 by Milda 1000
Research constantly shows that exercise is beneficial to health and it is no different in systemic scleroderma. However, patients are often limited in what they can do, especially when scleroderma affects the lungs, which is very common. Fatigue can also be a limiting factor. Basically, patients with systemic scleroderma should do as much moderate exercise as they are able to do, but it will vary widely depending on the symptoms that patients are dealing with.

Posted Apr 4, 2017 by Choclit 1150
Walking seems to be the best thing for me and stretching every morning to keep my joints and muscles limber.

Posted Mar 30, 2018 by Amy 2600
Exercise is good for anyone. However, be sensitive to the limits of your body. Do not over exercise past the point of pain. Speak to your doctor about what's possible. I have arthritis in my shoulder so I avoid rigorous exercise involving my right shoulder but I do some exercise with my arms to remain flexible. Walking is low impact and is perfect exercise for those with Scleroderma. If one cannot walk, ask the doctor about leg circles and foot circles and exercise available for those who are not ambulatory.

Posted Nov 21, 2018 by Juanita 1900
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If it is totally recommended. Sports such as yoga pilates stretching and walking

Posted Feb 24, 2017 by 1000
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it is advisable not to stay at rest even though you have fatigue or pain musculoesqueletico, yoga, walks are the ideal

Posted Feb 27, 2017 by cecilia miranda 1000
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It is always good to the sport, especially stretching and exercises to improve The circulation. Walk at the pace that each one can, when there is pulmonary involvement have to do it more gently

Posted Mar 21, 2017 by Amparo 1000
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If it is advisable to moderate exercise and walking to keep a good breathing, good circulation and elasticity of muscles and skin

Posted Mar 23, 2017 by ana h 1400
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Yes. To keep the joints in motion to counteract the rigidity, a walk or gentle exercise of stretching of limbs would be ideal.

Posted Apr 28, 2017 by Alma Olivia 1000
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If among the more we move the better we don't need to run the marathon, but we can do stretching and walking if you can some aerobic exercise not to exceed, and caring for our limits. There will be patients that may have affected your lungs and be limited by this situation to do any kind of exercises

Posted May 15, 2017 by Lucero 1050
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It is advisable to move and do stretches and gentle exercises such as tai chi or yoga because apart from improving the mobility and joints helps us to relax and is very helpful for the pain and the insomnia.

Posted May 18, 2017 by Montse 1151
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Depends on the health condition.
Light exercises so as to not cause more damage.
The pillars would be ideal.

Posted Sep 30, 2017 by Carol 1000

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