How to Cope With RA

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a recurring inflammatory disorder that usually involves the small joints in your hands and feet.

RA occurs in the lining of your joints and causes a swelling that aches. It can also eventually cause your joints to become deformed and your bones to erode. Rheumatoid arthritis takes place when your body's tissues are mistakenly attacked by your own immune system. There is no cure for RA, but there are several treatments to choose from.


The amount that RA influences your every day life partly relies on how well you handle the disease. Your doctor or nurse can tell you more about methods of coping.

Things You'll Need

• Electric heating pad
• Heat pack or heat lamp
• Cold pack

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Instructions

• 1

  Take charge of your RA. Speak with your doctor and create a strategy for handling your arthritis; this will help you become more in control of your disease. According to research, individuals who are in charge of their treatment and handle their arthritis make fewer doctor visits and have less pain.

• 2

  Get regular exercise. While resting your joints may be comfortable, not getting enough exercise can cause your joints to get stiff and your muscles to deteriorate. It is essential to use your joints and muscles without injuring them. Milder types of exercises, like walking, are suggested---they aren't likely to cause additional harm.

• 3

  Watch your weight and diet. Maintaining and keeping your weight controlled is essential, because being overweight puts more strain on the joints in your back, hips, knees and feet. Extra weight can also create difficulties if you need surgery at some point. When it comes to your diet, you should decrease sugar and fat intake, eat more fruits and vegetables and get enough calcium, Vitamin D and iron.

• 4

  Know that heat and cold can help your pain. Heat can alleviate pain, help you relax and help the blood flow around your hurting joints. The easiest way to use heat is to take a warm bath or shower for about 15 minutes. You can also use a an electric heating pad, a heat pack or a heat lamp. However, those with weak circulation or poor sensation should not use heat as a remedy. Also, cold packs can help with the pain that comes with flare-ups.

• 5

  Relax and get enough sleep. Resting your muscles, deep breaths and even hypnosis can help you manage the pain. Getting enough sleep is also essential, and helps your joints and muscles repair themselves.