Rheumatoid Arthritis - 6 Tips To Fight The Pain

Rheumatoid Arthritis - 6 Tips To Fight The Pain
by Michael Russell

pain brought by the symptoms of this crippling disease. Here are a few suggestions
that may help you in handling the pain when a rheumatoid arthritis attack is in the
offing:

Live a healthier lifestyle. It is never too late to start living healthy. Losing weight can
be good for your joints - the less you weigh, the lesser the pressure on the joints
and hence, you will feel less pain. So, start eating a healthy diet and get enough sleep
to keep your weight at a healthier range.

Pop in a pill to reduce the pain - No matter at what stage your rheumatoid arthritis
might be in, taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen
may help keep the pain and the inflammation under control. However, keep in mind
that all drugs have a tendency to cause certain side effects. So, take caution in taking
these drugs for they might just increase your risks of developing certain heart
problems and may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Your best bet? Take
acetaminophen. It can effectively do the job without the risks!

Stretch those joints! Stretching is an important part of any exercise routine because
it greatly enhances your flexibility. When doing your stretches, stop whenever you
feel a mild discomfort and hold the position for 10 to 30 seconds before proceeding.

Try weight lifting - Making exercise a regular part of your routine may bring you tons
of benefits. Performing moderate exercises such as weight lifting and aerobics can
help ease mild to moderate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. In this case, weight lifting
is an ideal exercise since it improves your flexibility, strength and balance thereby
allowing you an increased capability in handling the symptoms of the disease.

Before doing your lifts, don't forget to do some stretching exercises. Start with 3
sets of 8 to 10 repetitions. You can even begin your training without using any
weights at all! Weights may be gradually added as your routine progresses. Lift the
weights slowly and evenly to prevent doing any more damage to the joints and
cartilages. Take things easy. Take a rest when your joints flare up to avoid adding
any more strain to your already aching joints.

Try alternative therapy - Some people swear by the positive results of aqua therapy
and Tai Chi in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Just remember to find
a qualified practitioner before embarking on these routines. And as always, consult
with your doctor first before doing any exercises.

Strive to learn more about the disease - Knowledge is power. To increase your
fighting chances against rheumatoid arthritis, try to learn as much as you can about
this disease. A large number of online as well as offline sources can give you all the
information that you might need. When in doubt, ask your doctor to provide you
with some reference on where to look for additional help.

About The Author

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to .

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be
a very painful affair. It might mean
living with and enduring chronic pain,
fatigue and joint stiffness for years. It
can even make you miserable for the
rest of your life!

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease
where the white blood cells attack
healthy tissues, specifically the joints
and cartilages, for no apparent
reason. If you happen to be afflicted
with this disease, you might be in for
a very difficult time. But as with all
other diseases, you can adopt
several measures to help ease the

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.