In our last article, we discussed joint pain, and the pain of osteoarthritis.
But of course, it is not the only cause of pain. RA can be a cause of pain as well.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body starts to attack itself. Even healthy tissue gets affected, such as your joints.
RA joint pain needs to be dealt with differently compared with osteoarthritis (OA).
With OA, we suggested rest.
With RA, it is ‘use it or lose it.’ In other words, you need to work out gently with the goals of maintaining joint function and flexibility.
It is also important because many people with RA have heart issues, so physical workouts can help you keep an eye on your cardiovascular health as well.
In terms of maintaining function, some people might need support, such as braces. You also don’t want to sit for too long in one place.
It’s easy to get tired with RA, so resting regularly and paying attention to the quality of your sleep will be key.
Your joints are like the shock absorbers of your body. There are shots than can help provide cushioning so your joints are not damaged ‘grinding together’ due to loss of joint lubrication and so on.
Eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those with vitamin C in them, an essential component of collagen in the body.
Get physiotherapy as need. Use natural treatments, such as water workouts and tai chi.
Ice, over the counter, or prescription, pain reliever can help. In some cases, surgery might offer relief.
Make sure you work with an RA specialist who is up to date on the latest options for caring for your RA. Then see what a difference it can make to the way you feel and move.
fURTHER READING
Learn more about Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Learn more about various kinds of pain relief.
