Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive disease that can be life changing. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, and can eventually lead to joint damage. While there is no cure for RA, there are treatments available that can help control the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

Depending on the severity of your RA, you may need long-term treatment. Additionally, everyday tasks may become difficult or take longer to do. As a result, you may need to adapt the way you do things or make changes to your lifestyle. Here are some things you can do to help manage your RA on a day-to-day basis.

Get Moving – Exercise Can Help!

Exercise is an important part of RA management. It helps reduce pain and stiffness, increases range of motion, and strengthens the muscles around the joints. A moderate exercise program that includes both aerobic activity and strength training is ideal. However, it’s important to start slowly and increase the intensity and duration of your workouts gradually. If you’re not sure where to start, talk to your doctor or physical therapist about an exercise plan that’s right for you.

Pay Attention to Your Diet

What you eat can also affect your RA symptoms. There is no “RA diet” per se, but there are certain foods that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. These include fatty fish like salmon and tuna, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids; fruits and veggies like strawberries and broccoli, which are packed with antioxidants; and garlic, ginger, and turmeric, which have anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, drinking plenty of water each day is important for overall joint health.

Manage Your Stress Levels

Stress can make RA symptoms worse, so it’s important to find ways to manage stress effectively. Yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and other relaxation techniques can all help reduce stress levels. In addition, setting aside time each day for yourself – even if it’s just 10 minutes – can make a big difference. Doing things you enjoy like reading, listening to music, or spending time outdoors can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.

Regular Doctor Visits

Dr. Lomibao suggests one of the best ways to live with Rheumatoid Arthritis is by regularly meeting with your rheumatologist.

Working closely with a rheumatologist is the best way to find an RA medication plan that works for you. In fact, having treatment goals set with your specialist can help you get more from your overall treatment plan.

An honest conversation with your rheumatologist enables both of you to get the most out of your time together. You should feel comfortable discussing future goals or any upcoming activities that could be impacted by arthritis.

Talk to Others

Being around those with common experiences can provide solace and helpful tips. Use websites or social media to look for local support groups that fit your needs.

You can speak to a trained rheumatoid arthritis adviser for free on the NRAS helpline by calling 0800 298 7650 from Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. You can also arrange to speak to someone who has first-hand experience with rheumatoid arthritis.

The Versus Arthritis free helpline is available Monday-Friday from 9am to 8pm at 0800 5200 520.

Final Thoughts

If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it’s important to take steps every day to manage your condition. Exercise, paying attention to your diet, and managing stress levels can all help reduce pain and stiffness associated with RA. Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan that’s right for you; include lots of fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, garlic, ginger ,and turmeric in your diet; and set aside time each day to relax and do things you enjoy! Taking these simple steps can help improve your quality of life significantly!