Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can affect your life in various ways, such as weariness and appetite loss, but the pain is the most debilitating symptom for many individuals. Fortunately, Dr. Hui Kang Houston offers personalized treatments to alleviate Rheumatoid arthritis pain.
Just like other conditions, there are things you can do to alleviate your RA pain. Here are ways to mitigate Rheumatoid arthritis pain;
- Exercise
Even if you might not feel like exercising if you have RA, and it could seem like being active would stress your joints, gentle workouts can help lessen muscle and joint discomfort. Low-impact exercises like cycling, swimming, and walking can alleviate your pain. Additionally, water exercises in a heated pool are the most effective activities for RA since the buoyancy of the water eases the strain on your joints.
Yoga is another suggestion for easing RA discomfort, and you may adapt the classic positions to fit your physical limitations. Additionally, yoga may assist with balance and coordination issues that might arise from the condition.
- Eat a healthy diet
Although there is no special diet for rheumatoid arthritis, there are some foods that can reduce inflammation, and others that you should restrict or avoid. For instance, you ought to consume a lot of fresh vegetables and fruits. Citrus fruits, cherries, and green vegetables like kale have anti-inflammatory components that may alleviate your pain.
Additionally, you must make sure that fish and nuts are your primary sources of omega-3 fatty acids. You should avoid consuming dairy, red meat, sugar, and alcohol or consume them in moderation as they all cause inflammation.
- Take your prescription
Take your medications to avoid the pain rather than waiting until you are already in pain. You may need to use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), steroids, or injections to minimize the inflammation in your joints. However, you may experience side effects from specific drugs. If you do, contact your doctor to address your symptoms and discover different treatment choices if you have side effects that significantly impact your life.
- Massage
A relaxing alternative therapy that can help lessen joint and muscular discomfort is getting a massage from a therapist (or even giving yourself a massage). The Arthritis Foundation advises that before trying massage, you should speak with your physician to be sure it is okay because specific massage techniques put a lot of pressure on your joints and muscles.
Inform your massage therapist that you suffer from RA as soon as your doctor gives the go-ahead. Also, remember that massage should improve, not degrade, your mood.
- Cold and Heat
While cold helps to numb the pain, heat helps to relax muscles. Using hot or cold compresses or switching between the two may reduce joint discomfort. Exercising in a warm pool or relaxing bath can also relieve stress.
- Orthoses
Your joints can benefit from this special equipment. Examples of orthoses include padded shoe soles and braces or splints that maintain the alignment of your joints. Even customized gloves for hands and finger joints are available. You can get assistance choosing the ideal orthoses from a physical therapist.
Bottom line
Managing your Rheumatoid arthritis pain can help to improve your health and quality of life. Call Hui Kang, MD, to book your appointment for Rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
