Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Tips for Managing Symptoms
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be difficult and overwhelming. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. While there is no cure for RA, there are various treatments available to help manage its symptoms. Here are some tips for managing RA symptoms:
1. Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help reduce pain and stiffness associated with RA. Exercise also helps increase joint flexibility and strengthens muscles around the affected joints. It’s important to find activities that don’t put too much strain on your joints, such as swimming or walking.
2. Get enough rest: Resting allows your body to heal and recover from the fatigue caused by RA symptoms. Try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night in order to give your body time to rest and recharge itself.
3. Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help reduce inflammation in the body caused by RA symptoms. Avoid processed foods as they contain unhealthy ingredients which can worsen inflammation in the joints over time.
4. Manage stress levels: Stress can cause flare-ups of RA symptoms so it’s important to find ways to relax during times of high stress or anxiety such as yoga or meditation . Taking breaks throughout the day also helps reduce stress levels as well as taking part in activities you enjoy like reading or listening music .
5 . Take medications prescribed by your doctor : Medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) , corticosteroids , disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs ) , biologics , immunosuppressants , or analgesics may be prescribed by your doctor depending on severity of your condition . Be sure to take these medications exactly as directed in order for them work effectively against RA symptoms .
By following these tips you will be able to better manage your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms while still living an active lifestyle!
Tags:
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA),
chronic autoimmune disorder,
inflammation,
joints,
pain,
stiffness,
swelling,
exercise,
rest,
healthy diet,
stress levels,
medications (NSAIDs,
corticosteroids,
DMARDs,
biologics,
immunosuppressants,
analgesics),
active lifestyle,
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