Fighting Chronic RA Pain with these Tips

From a loss in appetite to complete fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis can have an effect on your life in so many different ways. However, one of the greatest side effects of RA is pain that limits mobility and life in general.

Image Courtesy: Pixabay

1. Inflammation medication

When it comes to handling rheumatoid arthritis most pain-relief methods take the back seat to control inflammation. The best way, experts say, to control inflammation is by using DMARDs or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Such drugs work by suppressing the overactive immune system of the body and prevent joint damage by slowing down disease progression.

2. Pain medication

One of the best drugs to curb acute pain are anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs. Ibuprofen and Aspirin are a part of this class, as is celecoxib. However, NSAIDs handle joint pain but do not prevent joint damage. Apart from this, NSAIDs may disturb the lining of the stomach which leads to kidney damage when utilized over time.

3. Diet

There are several foods and diets that are known to help rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. However, there is no solid evidence that special foods actually decrease RA pain. Experts still believe that omega-3 fatty acids reduce joint pain and inflammation. Omega-3 is found in fish oil supplements and cold-water fish. Those who take fish oil supplements regularly do not need strong pain medication.

4. Weight management

Keeping a healthy weight will assist you in managing joint pain more effectively. One of the studies published suggested that weight loss can help reduce the need for pain medication in those with rheumatoid arthritis.

5. Massage

A therapeutic massage can be a complementary and soothing treatment to assist you in reducing joint and muscle pain. A study was done involving people with RA who received medium to light massage from a therapist every week for one month. These participants also performed self-massage at home. The results, after one month, for those who received moderate-pressure had greater motion range and less pain.

6. Exercise

Most people feel it’s impossible to stay active with RA, with the misconception that any form of exercise will create stress. However, the truth is, gentle exercises can help in decreasing muscle and joint pain, too. Low-impact exercises have proved to be a great way for lowering pain. Experts suggest swimming, walking, and cycling.

7. Orthoses

These aids assist in protecting and supporting your joints. Some of the examples include, padded shoe insoles or braces that help in keeping the joints in aligned. You may even get the right gloves for finger and hand RA. A podiatrist is the best person to seek advice from as to which device is best.  

8. Hot and cold

Heat assists in relaxing the muscles, while cold compress assists in dulling the pain sensation. You will see that using ice packs or hot packs, or switching between cold and hot, helps decrease your joint pain. Taking a hot bath can also help relieve pain.

By following these tips, you are likely to see a difference in your RA pain and symptoms. It is also best to discuss the problem with a qualified podiatrist to get the best results.