Managing Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis
It is not easy to manage your day-to-day activities while suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. This chronic disease causes inflammation and swelling in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis not just causes discomfort to the body but also requires you to change your lifestyle accordingly. Everyday things, which you did regularly, such as taking long walks or exercising, may not be easily possible once you are diagnosed with this condition.
Managing life with rheumatoid arthritis
This implies changing the way you do your day-to-day activities, altering a few eating and sleeping patterns, and making other minor changes. Patients experiencing rheumatoid arthritis can ease their pain and discomfort by making the following simple changes.
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Rest
Millions of Americans are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Joint pain makes it difficult to sleep in a comfortable position. Due to lack of sleep, arthritis pain may escalate. So, whenever possible, try to get adequate rest and sleep.
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Mobility
Keep moving is the mantra for managing life with rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have proved that mobility can improve your muscle flexibility. Small baby steps and few stretching exercises can keep you happy and allow you to sleep better. Rheumatologists recommend swimming, bicycling, and walking as effective ways to stay active and healthy too.
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Healthy eating
Diet recommended for rheumatoid arthritis patients varies as per the condition, age, and many other factors. Nevertheless, make sure you get enough calcium and vitamins from your food that helps with bone formation and prevent further damage. Nutritionists recommend eating a lot of green vegetables and omega-3 fatty acid foods to combat inflammation and swelling.
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Protect your joints
Whether you are on medication or have just been detected with rheumatoid arthritis, your main aim needs to be protecting your joints from further damage. Certain changes, such as using a warm electric blanket for sleeping or hot water bag for soothing inflammation, can go a long way in managing life with rheumatoid arthritis. Other factors that contribute to protecting your joints include wearing comfortable shoes that aid in walking and using a splint or walker to help you maintain balance while walking.
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Quit smoking
An arthritis patient will have to quit smoking as it poses a risk of plaque formation in the arteries. Especially when you are on medication, smoking dampens the body’s ability to respond to treatment. Find ways to distract yourself or engage in some hobbies whenever you feel like smoking. Managing life with rheumatoid arthritis also involves giving up habits such as smoking that can further damage your condition.
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Being positive
Your treatment will be effective and your body will respond positively if you develop a positive attitude. Managing life with rheumatoid arthritis is no easy feat. You may constantly be in pain and suffer from lack of sleep. Due to this, many Americans undergo depression, which can have an adverse effect on the treatment. Sorting out your priorities and practicing meditation can help you stay motivated and positive.
Apart from changing your lifestyle and making healthy improvements in your diet and other activities, managing life with rheumatoid arthritis can be easier with support from friends and family. Talk with other people and groups who have rheumatoid arthritis. Understand them, to figure out how they manage their life with arthritis efficiently.
