Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful inflammatory condition that affects the joints. It's a chronic condition that occurs when the body's immune system erroneously attacks the membrane lining the joints. Symptoms include joint damage and inflammation, pain and loss of motion. Hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and feet are commonly affected but rheumatoid arthritis can also strike organs such as the heart and lungs. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis so treatment is critical for easing aching joints. Fortunately, there are many options for reducing pain.
Instructions
1. Apply heat. Heat packs applied before exercising can relax joints, which can relieve pain. Heat should not be too hot and packs can be left on joints for 20 minutes. Soak in a warm tub or whirlpool to relieve aching joints.
2. Apply cold. Applying ice to your joints after exercising or working will reduce swelling and pain. Apply cold packs for 15 minutes.
3. Move frequently. Staying in one position for a long time can cause stiffness in joints and aggravate arthritis. To prevent stiffness, move around or adjust your position often.
4. Exercise. Exercise is crucial or those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, reports the Mayo Clinic. The benefits from exercise include increasing strength and flexibility as well as reducing joint pain. Exercise doesn't need to be demanding to be helpful. Moderate activities can help reduce pain. Focus on weight training, which strengthens, and aerobic exercises, which raise heart rate. Range-of-motion exercises relieve stiffness and can help you attain full-range of motion in the joints.
5. Practice relaxation. Relaxation techniques are important for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers because living with arthritis pain can add stress to daily life. Relaxation techniques include deep breathing, guided imagery and muscle relaxation.
6. Try pain relievers. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can help reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain. Some lotions contain pain relievers, which may also help alleviate soreness in the joints. Prescription medications such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and corticosteroids are also used for pain relief. Talk to your doctor to determine what options are best for you.
7. Consider electrical stimulation. Transutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can relieve pain though a current of electricity into nerve fibers. A doctor must prescribe these treatments and will know if this is treatment is appropriate.
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