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Rheumatoid
Arthritis: These 5 Tips Will Help
Science
still has no definitive answer to what causes rheumatoid
arthritis. Some scientists have theories but that is
it. I do have a friend who has it and now his 9th grade
daughter is fighting it.
Rheumatoid
arthritis is an auto immune disease that basically has
an army inside of you that is fighting for the wrong
side. If you read about our army illustration
on the home page (arthritis treatments) then you know
we have a built in army that is supposed to go to war
on your behalf. It attacks or reinforces different
areas of our body so white blood cells can come in and
do their trick.
Rheumatoid
arthritis is basically a mix up between our army and
our immune system. Our immune system is really good
at fighting of illnesses, infections and such, but for
whatever reason the communication lines were destroyed
and now we are left with a painful disease that sometimes
goes into remission for several months.
Rheumatoid
arthritis can also affect other areas within our body
including our organs.
Let
us examine 5 Tips to help you combat the effects of
rheumatoid arthritis. And make sure you consult your
physician before you do anything.
Rheumatoid
Arthritis Pain: Tip #1- We know how painful rheumatoid arthritis can
be, but we need to somehow or someway get ourselves
moving. Exercise is critical because it creates a flow
of blood to the effected areas. I know there have
been several times that my pain has stopped because
I began to exercise. Those who are extremely active
like a girl I had back in 5th grade, she was told to
reduce her exercise levels. The main reason was to allow
her body sufficient time to rest.
Exercises
to consider: Walking, especially on ground that is not
level. The steeper the hill the better, unless your
knees are killing you. Rheumatoid arthritis suffers
should consider walking in a swimming pool. Others will
take the seat off their exercise bike and use their
arms to peddle their bikes. This is really effective
for those who have a lot of pain in their lower extremities.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain: Tip #2- This
is also considered exercising but don't freak out. Water
aerobics and some type of balancing is very helpful.
The background here is when you balance yourself on
something (including the floor) you are actually strengthening
that particular area because it takes strength to keep
yourself balanced.
You
obviously understand the importance of water aerobics.
Less pressure on the body and increased blood
flow to all areas of the body. The harder your
heart pumps, the more blood will flow through your body.
Guess what other areas it will help in?
Losing
weight and if you are overweight, start small, work
yourself up and keep losing those inches.
Rheumatoid
arthritis suffers, if the pain continues
more than a couple of days while incorporating exercises, it would be wise to consult your
physician.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain: Tip #3- If
you are suffering from the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, it is a good idea to
concentrate on your overall body weight. If this is an issue for you, speak with
your doctor about ways that are suitable for you to take it off. When you are
dealing with any type of arthritis pain, the extra weight makes it worse.
Consider this; there is about 30 pound of force placed on the knees for each ten
pounds of weight that is being carried. Therefore, the ability to lose ten
pounds will effectively result in 30 pounds of force being lifted from the
knee.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain: Tip #4- Some rheumatoid
arthritis sufferers find that applying hot or cold compresses can help to
alleviate some of the pain that is associated with their condition. When using
this method of pain relief, there is a simple rule to remember, ice reduces pain
while the heat will loosen the joints and boost blood
flow.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain: Tip #5- This next tip,
while not an actual treatment option, is very important to your emotional
well-being. Educate yourself regarding your condition, this will improve your
attitude as well as eliminate the element of surprise. Many people are afraid to
ask questions when they are faced with a debilitating illness, they just wait
for the bad stuff to start happening and many end up depressed. Don't be one of
those people, ask your doctor, ask friends, do research, learn as much as you
can about rheumatoid arthritis so that you can better deal with it.
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