How to Help Control Arthritis
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.
• Change your daily activities and make use of self-help devices
• Avoid stooping when upright.
Cold and Hold Treatments
Cold or heat treatments can be used to decrease the pain and increase muscle flexibility when you have rheumatoid arthritis. Cold or heat treatments can be combined with any of the exercises prescribed by your physical therapist.
• Use it after exercise
• Aids with pain
• May help reduce overall inflammation
• 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.
How do I Remain Consistent When Doing Exercise?
• Look for an exercise class or gym; your doctor can advise you.
• Vary your exercise routine so you do not get bored, and rotate your exercises.
• Seek help from a health professional, such as a physio therapist, to help you in setting up an exercise program for you.
• Find an exercise friend, or use an exercise DVD.
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
• Sock and shoe sliders to aid with getting dressed
• 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.
Weight Control and Diet
• Never eat before going to bed
• Take multi-vitamin supplements, calcium and Omega-3
• Eat fruit and veg daily
• Cut down on acidic food stuffs
Use Medication
A large part of the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is medication. Many medications and drugs are used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, and they fall into a number of classes and categories.
- DMARDs which are Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs
- Other drugs include treatments used for gout, fibromyalgia, and osteoporosis
- Corticosteroids. Beware long term use will cause other problems such as Osteoporosis
- Topical medications such as cream, balms, gels, ointments, lotions
- NSAIDs known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
- BRMs which are Biologic Response Modifiers
- COX-2 Inhibitors
- Pain medications referred to as Analgesics
Arthritis can range from an annoyance to chronic. If you require further advice please visit our Arthritis Forum
September 01 2009 03:42 pm | Health and Fitness
