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.
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.
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