Lack of exercise is another cause.

[prasanth5]

Lack of exercise is another important cause that results in rheumatoid arthritis. Strengthening, stretching and conditioning are three types of exercises that are normally recommended for sound health and out of them stretching is to be done without harming the bones and joints too much. All patients with RA can opt for stretching exercise.

[kageyd]

I do not agree that lack of exercise is a "cause" of RA. Certainly lack of exercise can add to otherwise stiffened and irritable joints, but it is clear that RA is a chemical disease of the immune system, where certain white blood cells go haywire. Exercise at appropriate levels is good for reducing pain in pretty much all joint diseases, but avoiding exercise does not "cause" the underlying chemical disease that in turn triggers the inflammation that destroys the cartilage in RA-infected joints. If insufficient exercise did 'cause' RA, half the people in this country, including too many young people, would have RA!!! Many of the people on this forum were pretty vigorous exercisers before their diagnosis with RA.

[adhityaen]

I too read and our GP also informed that RA is because of hereditary and malfunction in immune system, that to particular in blood cells. Exercise in general is good for health and no iota to link non-exercise with acquiring RA.

[crimson]

Though it's not one cause of RA but it also CONTRIBUTES to it, even though you have RA, exercise can also decrease the flares that you have. One example of it is swimming.

[leighdu]

Where is your proof for that assertion? I have never once heard that a lack of exercise can lead to RA. As someone pointed out, yes, it can help your general well being to exercise if you have RA, but I just do not buy that NOT exercising will cause RA. I'd love to know where you got that information from.

[naturelover]

I think the poster is ill-informed about getting affected by RA due to lesser or no exercise regime. There is another posting of a new member who stated that he/she was a dancer and maintained health. But, now worrying about getting affected by RA. I sincerely wish to state that lack of exercise does not end up in RA.