Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect the jointsand other body systems, including the eyes, skin, lungs, kidneys, heart, and blood vessels. It is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can vary in severity and caninclude tender, warm, and swollen joints, joint stiffness (usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity), fatigue, fever, and a loss of appetite. The condition may cause periods of increased disease activity, known as flare ups, which can alternate with periods of relative remission (when the swelling and pain fade or disappear).
Although there is no cure for the disease, there are a number of measures you can take to relieve joint and muscle pain, reduce inflammation, improve your ability to move, and better manage your condition.
Tips For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Stay Physically Active
Staying physically active can help to strengthen muscles, keep joints flexible, and protect them from further damage. Regular exercise can also help to reduce fatigue and improve sleep quality, which can help if your symptoms are preventing you from sleeping properly. Low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking, riding a bike, and swimming, are all effective forms of exercise if you have rheumatoid arthritis.
Always check with your doctor before you start exercising, and start off small if you’re just getting started, such as by taking a short walk. Avoid exercising tender, injured, or severely inflamed joints, as this may aggravate symptoms. If you are unsure which exercises can benefit you, ask a physical or occupational therapist to recommend activities that are best suited to your needs.
Enjoy a Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy body weight, ensuring you eat a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep and exercise can all help to control and reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Fish such as salmon, trout, tuna, and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation. It can also help to avoid tobacco smoke and incorporate stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation, into your life to avoid flare ups of symptoms.
Use Heat or Cold Therapy
Cold packs can help to numb or dull the sensation of pain and reduce inflammation during a flare up. Heat therapy, such as a warm bath, shower, or heat pad, may help if you are experiencing symptoms such as pain and stiffness and to relax tense, painful muscles.
Take Time to Relax
A stressful, busy lifestyle can take its toll on you physically and mentally. Allow yourself time to unwind and de-stress. Find time for activities you enjoy that help you to relax, such as reading, going for a walk, or listening to music. Techniques such as guided imagery, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation may also help to reduce stress and control pain.
Be Smart and Know Your Limits
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause fatigue and muscle weakness. It is important to rest when you’re tired, pace yourself, and know your limits. Avoiding strenuous activity and taking a rest or short nap when required can help.
Connect with Others
The pain and disability associated with rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to deal with, and it can impact both work and family life. It is helpful to make your family aware of how you’re feeling and to have someone to talk to if you are feeling low, overwhelmed, or are struggling to cope. Connecting with other people with rheumatoid arthritis through a support group, in your community, or online can also help.
Use Assistive Equipment
Self-help devices and gadgets, such as raised toilet seats, kitchen aids, zipper pulls, and devices to help you get on and off of chairs, toilet seats, and beds can help to reduce stress on your joints.
Splints may help reduce pain and swelling by supporting affected joints. Speak to a physical or occupational therapist to help you choose which splint is right for you.
Consider Alternative Medicine
Some complementary and alternative treatments may be effective in helping symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in some people, including:
- Supplements – fish oil and certain plant oil supplements may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain and stiffness. Always check with your doctor first before taking supplements, as they are not suitable for everyone and could interfere with medications.
- Tai chi – a movement therapy involving gentle exercises and stretches combined with breathing exercises that may help to relieve stress, improve mood, and reduce symptoms.
Seek Treatment from a Rheumatologist
If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can result in bone erosion and cause joints to deform and shift out of place.Clinical studies indicate that early treatment is more likely to lead to a remission of symptoms. Medications, known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), along with other strategies, are typically used to help ease symptoms, reduce inflammation, and slow the progression of the disease. With help from your doctor, you can make a plan for managing your arthritis to help you feel more in charge of your disease.
If you don’t already see a rheumatologist, ask your doctor for a referral. A rheumatologist specializes in arthritis and other inflammatory diseases that can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and potential joint deformities.
How Can A Rheumatologist Help?
Rheumatologists are specially trained doctors in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the joints, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They are experts in treating rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there have been recent advancements in the understanding of the causes of arthritis. This has led to the introduction of new medications that are revolutionizing the treatment of many debilitating joint diseases.
Experienced Rheumatologist in Syracuse, NY
If you have arthritis and are looking for expert care, contact The Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology at Upstate Medical University. Our highly-skilled rheumatologists are experts in treating arthritis and autoimmune diseases.
We are specially trained to diagnose and treat inflammatory diseases of the joints and soft tissues affecting tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones, such as rheumatoid arthritis
To learn more about our comprehensive services, call us today at (315) 464-4194. Alternatively, you can also contact the Department of Medicine at SUNY: Upstate Medical University at DeptMedicine@upstate.edu to find out more.
