Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hip

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease wherein the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue in the joints. Hands, knees and hips are particularly affected by inflammation, which can lead to pain and diminished abilities. It is often treated with anti-inflammatory medications, hot or cold compresses and physical therapy. Exercises can help increase hip mobility and range of motion in order to forestall the need for joint replacement surgery.

  1. Hip Extensions

    • Stand with your hip next to a high-backed chair or a counter. Hold on to the chair or counter with one hand. Lift the outer leg off the ground and keep the knee straight. Point the toes toward the far wall. Bring the leg back down. Repeat this ten times. Now bring the leg out to the side. Lift the leg up as far as you can, then bring it back down slowly. Repeat ten times. Next bring the leg to the back and lift it ten times. Turn around and switch legs.

    Leg Circles

    • Still standing with the counter or chair at your side, extend one leg and draw circles on the floor with your toe. Keep your knee straight so that you are drawing from the hip. Reverse the circle. Turn around. Repeat the exercise with the other leg.

    Squats

    • Face the chair or counter. Stand with your feet hip width apart, toes pointed out. Bend your knees but be sure not to bend at the waist. Come back up. Try for ten of these. Now deepen the squat by bringing the feet farther apart.

    Adductor & Abductor

    • Grab a firm cushion or pillow or a ball and a chair for the next exercise. You will also need a beach towel or other long towel.

      Sit at the edge of the chair. Place the pillow or ball between your knees. Squeeze your knees together. Try ten of these. Next wrap the towel around the sole of the right foot. Take both ends of the towel in your left hand. This will add resistance as you push your right foot to the right. Be sure your hip and the rest of the leg does the work rather than just letting the hand hold the towel loose. Repeat this ten times. Switch legs.

    Seated Leg Lifts

    • Sit at the edge of the chair with your legs straight rather than bent at the knee. Place a light pillow on the top of your feet. Grasp either side of the chair with your hands for stability. Lift your feet and keep your knees straight. Try to manage ten of these. Be sure to keep your elbows behind you rather than out to the sides so as to avoid injury.