Coping Mechanisms For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a well-known, so far incurable and very annoying disease. While it is not lethal, the fact that it attacks not only joints, but also some internal organs makes it much more dangerous than any other form or arthritis. What is even worse, this arthritis always affect both sides of the body. While normally people may suffer from pain in only a single joint at the time, rheumatoid arthritis cause inflammation in the same joints in the both sides of the body simultaneously. For example, if this arthritis attacks knees, it will cause the inflammation at the both knees at the same time. As the result, most areas of life that are related with movement or physical activities are seriously affected by the disease.
Currently, there is no way to cure rheumatoid arthritis. Fortunately, there are a few ways to help those who suffer from this disease. From medications that slow down the progress of the disease and get rid of pain to small changes in one’s lifestyle – there are still hundreds of things one can do to make the life a bit easier.
First of all, you must do exercise regularly. Everything that makes joints and muscles stronger is a good thing. While the strength training is sometimes too much to handle, but some cardiovascular training such swimming or jogging will keep the joints and muscles in good shape. Ask your doctor as to what exercises you should do. Generally, you should avoid any heavy lifting and learn how to do exercises properly – the point is to make your joints move, not to overbear them.
Pain, especially at night, and sleeplessness that may accompany it, are two most dangerous direct effects of rheumatoid arthritis. If one does nothing about it, the pain will cause severe stress and lower the natural resistance of the body, making it more prone to other diseases, as well as increase the pace of arthritis progress. That’s why it is imperative to get rid of the pain and ensure that one can sleep undisturbed. As arthritis persists, sleeping pills have to be taken under the strict control of the doctor and painkillers should be avoided whenever possible. Heat and cold will have also a strong calming effect on the joint’s pain with no dangerous long-term side effects painkillers have.
The diet may also have a profound effect on rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to improve the condition of joints and seriously reduce the pain felt by those affected with rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 can be found in fish or in food supplements such as Omega Daily.
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