How to Help Control Rheumatoid Arthritis
Friday, October 30th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Cold and Hold Treatments
Cold or heat treatments can be used to decrease the pain and increase muscle flexibility when you have arthritis. Cold or heat treatments can be combined with any of the exercises prescribed by your physical therapist.
• It decreases blood flow
• Aids with pain
• Use before any activity
• It will help increases blood flow
• Will help relax your muscles
You can purchase a gel packs that can be kept either cold in your freezer or heated in a normal microwave.
Change Your Lifestyle
• Avoid all impact-loading activities such as jumping, running, etc.
• Reduce any climbing activities such as stairs, climbs, etc.
• Avoid all activity that causes you any prolonged discomfort.
• Practice good posture by standing up straight, and pushing your head back.
• Avoid stooping when upright.
How do I Remain Consistent When Doing Exercise?
• Look for an exercise class or gym; your doctor can advise you.
• Evaluate your progress on a daily chart, over the weeks you and enjoy your success.
• Seek help from a health professional, such as a physio therapist, to help you in setting up an exercise program for you.
• Exercise at the same time each day if possible so it becomes a habit.
Weight Control and Diet
• Eat at set times, do not nibble all day
• Avoid red meat and processed meat
• Eat fruit and veg daily
• If you are overweight, you will make your arthritis worse
Help Control Pain with Pharmacy Medications
Simple tasks may be hard to do when your joints hurt. Some self-help devices shown below may aid minimize pain, stress, discomfort and may help you in accomplishing some of your daily tasks.
• Stomach supports to lessen stress on your back
• Canes, Crutches or Walkers reduce stress across the joints, but do not use these if you have any arthritis in your arms, it may cause impact damage
• Orthotics to help you improve foot alignment
• Wrist and Hand Splints
• Large grips for pens, or use those made of rubber, garden tools and any other hand-held objects.
Use Medication
A large part of the treatment for arthritis is medication. Many medications and drugs are used for treating arthritis, and they fall into a number of classes and categories.
- COX-2 Inhibitors
- DMARDs which are Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs
- Topical medications such as cream, balms, gels, ointments, lotions
- Pain medications referred to as Analgesics
- NSAIDs known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
- Corticosteroids. Beware long term use will cause other problems such as Osteoporosis
- BRMs which are Biologic Response Modifiers
- Other drugs include treatments used for gout, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis
Arthritis can range from an annoyance to chronic. If you require further advice please visit our Rheumatoid Arthritis Forum
