Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease with no mainstream medical cure. Relief from RA can take on many different forms. If you have RA, the best advice is to keep a journal of what really works for you to give you relief from the symptoms.
The first tip to finding rheumatoid arthritis relief is to seek medical treatment. While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are treatments that can slow down the progression of the disease. Find a physician that specializes in arthritis treatments, who is called a rheumatologist. These physicians keep up on the latest medications and treatments.
Medications are available to relieve the discomfort of painful joints. There are also medications to lessen the swelling and shorten the active period. Medications are also available to slow down the degenerative process on the joints. Do not stop your medical treatments while pursuing other treatments that will give you relief from RA.
Stay informed by reading or joining an arthritis support group. Who else besides your physician can give you advice on rheumatoid arthritis relief? Be patient and keep in mind what works for one person might not work for you. That is why the journaling is so important, keeping a record so you can tie any rheumatoid arthritis flare up with a particular activity, or food.
Dietary advice is really starting to play a role in rheumatoid arthritis pain relief. Start slowly with the changes so you can really see what is working for you. You might want to start with the addition of anti-oxidants to your diet. Try adding at least one colorful fruit or vegetable serving to your diet per day.
There is some evidence to suggest that vitamin E may help reduce joint pain for some patients. Talk with your physician about starting vitamin E and appropriate dosages. While it may sound silly to talk with your physician about starting vitamins that are sold over the counter, some vitamins can change the clotting power of your blood. Some vitamins can also interact negatively with the medications you are already on. Always discuss changes you would like to try for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief with your physician.
The application of heat or cold may provide relief from RA pain to aching joints. Typically ice feels better on acutely inflamed joints. Heat usually feels better on chronically tender joints. Try them both in the order listed here, but if relief isn’t obtained try them the other way around. Or you may find that only heat makes you feel better.
A nice daily soak in a hot tub may just be the treatment that provides you relief from RA symptoms. Or it might be gentle daily exercise to keep all your joints moving. A combination of both may be your favorite daily therapy.
It is not easy to be positive while you are in pain, but a positive attitude can change your whole perspective of living with a chronic condition. In addition to a positive attitude, laughter may truly be the best medicine. Laughing releases tensions and just generally makes you feel better. A funny movie might just be the ticket for RA pain relief in the middle of a flare up. Keep a list of funny movies you would like to see.
Acupuncture has been around for centuries and is becoming a mainstream treatment in western cultures. This is a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief that you might want to consider. Check around in your area and with folks in your support group to gather information about acupuncture and local practitioners.
Stay active with friends and family. It is easier to forget your discomfort when you are seeing new sights and doing new activities. Naturally, some accommodation may have to be made for tender joints, but don’t retire from life. The goal of rheumatoid arthritis relief is to get you comfortable in your normal activities of life. Technorati claim token A2P6NK2KSVGX