I was diagnosed with RA in March of last year. I became aware of my pain and discomfort about two months earlier. I have arthritis in my ankles, knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists and fingers. My arthritis has changed the way I do everything, from morning through night.

I picked up some books on RA. One of them is "Exercises for Arthritis", by Erin Rohan O'Driscoll. It is quite thorough, covering almost every joint you have. Lots of circular motion, stretching, etc. I should do more than I do.

Your arthritis may be more severe than mine, and you may live in colder climate. I am in Southern California, and the summer was pretty good for me. Now that things are cooling, it is starting to get tough again.

I hope that helps. Another thing that has helped me is the Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/

GW