10 Ways To Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis At Home
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, which is often abbreviated as "RA," you may be experiencing increasing amounts of pain and stiffness. However, there are things that you can do at home to participate in your treatment. Here are a few:
- Exercise. Exercise can improve your range of motion, strengthen the muscles supporting your joints and increase your endurance. However, high-impact exercise can place extra stress on joints that are already painful. When you participate in low-impact exercises, there is less joint stress.
- Water aerobics can be a great choice for RA patients. The buoyancy of the water removes much of the stress that your joints would normally encounter. In addition, water offers resistance as you move through it. Thus, many water exercises promote muscle and strength development.
- Take breaks when needed. Rest between periods of heavy activity. Don't overdo it. Pressing through can exacerbate the inflammation of your joints, resulting in a flare up. A rheumatoid arthritis flare up occurs when you have an episode of pain and inflammation.
- Stress less. Scientists don't know the exact mechanisms that cause stress to increase RA inflammation. However, it may be related to the chemicals released by your body in response to stress. To decrease your stress levels, consider relaxation techniques, such as those used in yoga and meditation.
- Lose excess weight. If you are overweight, extra stress is being placed on your joints. In fact, for every pound of extra weight, your knees may experience four pounds of stress.
- Stay mobile. Although you may be tempted to be more stationary, be sure to continue to move about. Allowing your joints to go through their full range of motion helps maintain their mobility.
- Rely on the strongest joint. Use the strongest capable joint to perform a function. For instance, instead of using your fingers to push a door shut, use your wrist.
- Stop smoking. Smoking not only increases your chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis, it makes the medications used to treat the disease less effective. Additionally, smoking can decrease your lung capacity and make therapeutic exercise more difficult.
- Use hot and cold therapy. By alternately applying hot and cold packs to your joints, you can lessen inflammation and pain. Although the relief is temporary, it can be immediate.
- Take your medication. Your arthritis medication may not only help with pain, it may be anti-inflammatory.
- Lift and push properly. Using your body wisely can help you prevent joint injuries. Talk to your therapist about proper lifting and pushing techniques to protect your joints. In addition, wear any supportive braces that your rheumatology specialist prescribes.
Participate with your treatment plan by exercising, resting and taking your medication. To learn more ways to lessen joint stiffness and pain, contact your rheumatology specialist today.
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