Improving Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Hans Hasselfors
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease where white blood cells suddenly attack healthy tissues, specifically joints and cartilage. There are a few ways to help ease the symptoms, depending on which stage of the disease you are in. If you are in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis there is a new disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) which has done an excellent job in controlling symptoms. It works best in the initial stages, so if you suspect you may have rheumatoid arthritis, see your doctor as soon as possible.
There are other options if you are in later stages of rheumatoid arthritis. These are also helpful if you are still in early stages. One is to use anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. This does a great job reducing pain and inflammation. However, these have side effects including heart problems and gastrointestinal bleeding. You can also use acetaminophen for your rheumatoid arthritis, which does not have these side effects.
When symptoms are mild, moderate exercising including stretching, weight lifting, and aerobics ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Be sure to rest when your joints flare up as this would just add strain to your aching joints. Stretching is important because it increases flexibility and is easy enough to do at any age. When stretching, stop when you feel mild discomfort and hold for 10 to 30 seconds. Then repeat 3 to 5 times. Weight lifting also improves flexibility as well as strength and balance. Barbells are easy, convenient, and inexpensive. Remember to stretch before lifting any weights. Start with 3 sets of 8 to 10 repetitions. If you would like you can start with no weights at all (such as going leg lifts for rheumatoid arthritis in the knees), then add weights when you can. Lift the weights slowly and evenly to not damage the cartilage.
Some other popular forms of exercise for rheumatoid arthritis are aqua therapy and Tai Chi. Be sure to find an actual therapist as they have specific exercises they do for arthritis patients. Aerobics instructors may push to far and do further damage. Tai Chi has no long term studies proving its effectiveness, but due to testimonials from patients who have taken Tai Chi, the Arthritis Foundation began offering the class. Remember to always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Some other ways to relieve rheumatoid arthritis pain are to lose weight to take additional pressure off joints, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, using heat or ice, and possibly using devices such as a cane, brace, or splint. There are many resources for additional information on rheumatoid arthritis including websites, flyers, periodicals, books, etc. Your doctor should be able to provide you with some reference on where to look for additional help.
DISCLAIMER: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read. Since natural and/or dietary supplements are not FDA approved they must be accompanied by a two-part disclaimer on the product label: that the statement has not been evaluated by FDA and that the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease."
About the author:
About the Author: Hans Hasselfors is the founder of http://www.SubmitYourN
ewArticle.com. You may find varied arthritis articles in our article directory.
The latest information and news on Arthritis Advice :
Taking vitamin E supplements does not reduce a woman's risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an analysis of data from the Women's Health Study indicates.
Billy Bowden garners prestigious Arthritis Award (Scoop.co.nz)
Billy Bowden, internationally renowned cricket umpire, is set to receive the Arthritis New Zealand Business Development Award for his contribution, as ambassador for the charitable organisation.
Dr. Josh Dines and Dr. Rock Positano: Shoulder Arthritis Doesn't Mean The End...
Shoulder arthritis can be debilitating, but there are treatments that can get patients back to their previous level of activity.
Baker gets Arthritis Foundation ?Lifetime Achievement Award? (Swampscott Repo...
The Arthritis Foundation recently presented its highest honor, the Dr. John I. Sandson Lifetime Achievement Award, to Swampscott resident Charlie Baker, president and CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.
Healthwatch: Treatment for Arthritis (WTOK-TV Meridian)
A growing number of young people are being diagnosed with arthritis. But help is available for the young, as well as older patients.
UCB reports positive results from two Phase III arthritis trials (Pharmaceuti...
UCB, a biopharmaceutical and specialty chemical company, has announced the results of two Phase III studies, showing Cimzia, the only PEGylated anti-TNFalpha, provided significant clinical benefits as monotherapy, and in combination with methotrexate, in adults with active rheumatoid arthritis.
MedPredict's Rheumatology Panel Analyzes Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus and Gout...
MedPredict Market Research, a global provider of pharmaceutical competitive intelligence and market research, has published a new report providing critical strategic insight for pharma and biotech companies with a stake in the market for Rheumatoid Arthritis , lupus and gout therapies.
Local arthritis support group to meet Thursday (The Huntington Herald-Dispatch)
HUNTINGTON -- An arthritis support group meeting will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at St. Mary's Medical Center in the Heart Institute Building Room 205.
Easing the pain of knee arthritis (KATU Portland)
There are a few other promising therapies for osteo-arthritis of the knee, which is a painful and often debilitating condition. A new study reveals that nearly half of all Americans will suffer from it.
Arthritis Help for Horses (First Coast News)
TALLAHASSEE, FL -- If you have arthritis, you probably feel it more when the temperature drops...so what do you do to help relieve the pain?