How many step is reasonable?

It’s frustrating when your body doesn’t move the way it used to. But don't feel bad about that. Dealing with RA and other medical issues is no easy load to carry. 950 steps in half a day is still a start, and sometimes starting the hardest part. I think the best thing you can do is ask your doctor or a physical therapist to help you set a personalized, realistic goal. Small steps do add up, and it’s okay to start where you are. You’re not alone in this! -Latoya (Team Member)

Hi . Your frustration with trying to figure out an RA exercise/activity balance is certainly understandable. Has anyone spoken to you about physical therapy for RA? I can tell you a lot of people here swear by it for finding proper exercises to fit your circumstances and abilities. Our contributor Kat, who also happens to be an occupational therapist, wrote this article in praise of PT for RA: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/physical-therapy-exercises. I can also tell you that my wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), is a big fan of pool exercises/aqua therapy. Kelly was diagnosed at age two, 46 years ago - before modern treatments, with the damage to show for it. She has used a wheelchair since childhood. The water exercises allow for buoyancy, support, and a level of mobility that just isn't possible with land exercises. That said, Kelly also does plenty of land exercises and in this article discusses periodically returning to PT for refreshers to learn new things and get assessments: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/return-to-physical-therapy. Hope this information is helpful and please feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing and to ask additional questions. Best, Richard (Team Member)