A diet rich in antioxidants can help your body build the tissues that protect the joints and can reduce the inflammation that makes rheumatoid arthritis so painful. While there is evidence that such a diet goes a long way toward preventing RA, there are no foods that cure the condition. This is certainly no reason to eschew antioxidant-rich foods like fatty fish, almonds, and legumes. On the contrary, these healthy foods should be part of an overall wellness program geared toward natural pain management.
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, and topical creams can help relieve joint pain temporarily, and in some cases, antibiotics are also helpful. Because RA can affect parts of the body other than the joints, there are individualized treatments for each of these complaints, ranging from special eye drops and humidifiers for dry eyes, to oral cortisone for patients with inflamed cardiopulmonary tissue, and cortisone injections for those who suffer from inflammation in the tendons. This inflammation manifests itself in the form of tendinitis and bursitis (tennis elbow, and the like).
These treatments are generally very effective at relieving some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but medications wear off and often are accompanied by unwanted side effects. To reduce your need for constant cycles of medication, include regular exercise in your treatment program. Exercise is terrific for the joints and the muscles that protect and support them. If you are concerned that exercise will be painful on your stiff joints, consider swimming. Swimming has a very low impact on the joints, and there are growing numbers of physical therapists who can assist you in both the planning and the execution of an exercise regimen.
There are also several devices you might try to make everyday activities easier. Sometimes wearing splints at night is helpful for pain in the hands, wrists and feet. Walking with a cane or a walker can take pressure off knees, hips, and backs. You may also consider increasing the height of the seats in your house, including the toilet seat. Jar and bottle openers will save you from the pain and frustration of struggling with a stubborn lid. Message and moist heat can be very helpful and relaxing if tightness is a complaint, and regularly applying ice packs can work wonders for inflammation. Both hot and cold packs are also welcome to sore muscles after exercise.
In more extreme cases, your medical care provider may suggest surgery to address complaints of joint soreness and stiffness. An orthopedic surgeon may perform a minimally invasive arthroscopy, in which an endoscope is inserted through a small incision and the damaged joint is examined and repaired. More invasive procedures may involve full or partial replacement of damaged or immobilized joints with plastic or metal prosthetics. A final, and extremely important component in managing the pain of rheumatoid arthritis is addressing the emotional toll the disease can take. Seek out a support circle where you can meet with others who suffer from RA to talk through your issues and find out about some other helpful treatments.
Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, and topical creams can help relieve joint pain temporarily, and in some cases, antibiotics are also helpful. Because RA can affect parts of the body other than the joints, there are individualized treatments for each of these complaints, ranging from special eye drops and humidifiers for dry eyes, to oral cortisone for patients with inflamed cardiopulmonary tissue, and cortisone injections for those who suffer from inflammation in the tendons. This inflammation manifests itself in the form of tendinitis and bursitis (tennis elbow, and the like).
These treatments are generally very effective at relieving some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but medications wear off and often are accompanied by unwanted side effects. To reduce your need for constant cycles of medication, include regular exercise in your treatment program. Exercise is terrific for the joints and the muscles that protect and support them. If you are concerned that exercise will be painful on your stiff joints, consider swimming. Swimming has a very low impact on the joints, and there are growing numbers of physical therapists who can assist you in both the planning and the execution of an exercise regimen.
There are also several devices you might try to make everyday activities easier. Sometimes wearing splints at night is helpful for pain in the hands, wrists and feet. Walking with a cane or a walker can take pressure off knees, hips, and backs. You may also consider increasing the height of the seats in your house, including the toilet seat. Jar and bottle openers will save you from the pain and frustration of struggling with a stubborn lid. Message and moist heat can be very helpful and relaxing if tightness is a complaint, and regularly applying ice packs can work wonders for inflammation. Both hot and cold packs are also welcome to sore muscles after exercise.
In more extreme cases, your medical care provider may suggest surgery to address complaints of joint soreness and stiffness. An orthopedic surgeon may perform a minimally invasive arthroscopy, in which an endoscope is inserted through a small incision and the damaged joint is examined and repaired. More invasive procedures may involve full or partial replacement of damaged or immobilized joints with plastic or metal prosthetics. A final, and extremely important component in managing the pain of rheumatoid arthritis is addressing the emotional toll the disease can take. Seek out a support circle where you can meet with others who suffer from RA to talk through your issues and find out about some other helpful treatments.
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