Rheumatoid arthritis, often known as RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory condition in which a person’s immune system unintentionally attacks healthy cells, leading to inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected areas of the body. The condition frequently affects the hands, knees or ankles, and typically the same joint on both sides of the body, such as both hands and both knees. In some worse cases, the condition also tends to affect other organs of the body, including the eyes, heart, circulatory system and lungs.
Therefore, patients with rheumatoid arthritis need to have regular follow-ups as other vital organs may also get involved. Rheumatoid arthritis can be very painful, frustrating and can lead to permanent joint damage if left untreated for a longer period. However, early diagnosis, regular medications and healthy lifestyle modifications can help manage and reduce the severe symptoms.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
In some cases of rheumatoid arthritis, patients may not notice redness or swelling in the early stages, but they may feel discomfort and tenderness in the joints. Additionally, they report symptoms, including morning stiffness, tightness, and swelling in the joints. Many people with RA get very tired (fatigued) easily and some may have a low-grade fever as well.
People may suffer from other symptoms such as pain and stiffness in one or more than one joint, pain in both hands and knees and weight loss. Additionally, some people may also showcase unique symptoms such as hearing and breathing problems, skin rash or bruising, numbness and tingling, gum disease, increased body fat, eye irritation and disturbed sleep or sleep deprivation.
Lifestyle modifications to manage Rheumatoid Arthritis
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may get worse over time. While it is crucial to stay connected with the doctor who can help ease the symptoms with medications and other treatments, it is important for an individual to also manage their condition every day. Bringing a lifestyle change and taking appropriate action in consultation with the healthcare expert can help patients manage their symptoms in the long run and avoid the severity of the condition.
Following are the ways that can help a patient to manage their symptoms on their own:
1. Adherence to the treatment– A patient needs to be aware of their condition, take regular medications as directed and stay in regular touch with their doctors. In case of side effects or severity of symptoms, they should immediately consult their health expert to address the issue. Additionally, even if the pain and stiffness are less of a problem, it is important to keep up with your medical appointments.
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2. Exercise– People with joint pain and stiffness may face difficulty moving around. Additionally, patients often think that exercise may aggravate their symptoms. However, it is recommended for patients to stay active as physical movements only reduce the symptoms and guard against long-term issues. Physical exercises such as stretching, low-impact aerobic exercise and strengthening, along with slow, gentle, flowing exercises such as Pilates, Tai Chi and yoga help boost balance, flexibility and even ease the pain.
3. Diet -Eating a balanced, healthy diet is always recommended. A healthy diet helps in reducing inflammation or pain in the joints, morning stiffness and improves overall health. A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fish like salmon and tuna consists of antioxidants that help in curbing the chemicals which ramp up inflammation.
4. Keep a Healthy Weight– Getting to a healthier weight can lead to fewer complications and a better chance of remission. Being overweight or obese puts more pressure on the joint causing more pain.
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5. Therapies: People suffering from RA should adopt techniques and therapies that may help them perform daily tasks without putting undue pressure on the joints. Such patients can adopt occupational therapies which help in easing the joint strain by doing certain things in a different way. For example, picking up objects with both hands instead of one. In addition to that, physical therapy helps in reducing the pain. The treatment may include hot and cold therapy, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, the use of splints or certain exercises. The objective of these therapies is to help build new skills that make everyday life of the patient less painful.
6. Managing stress: Stress can worsen rheumatoid arthritis as it leads to inflammation. Patients should work towards managing their stress and engage in activities that help calm their mind. Yoga, meditation and hobbies come recommended.
7. Adequate rest: Patients often feel fatigue and muscle weakness. Therefore, adequate rest and regular sleep are needed.
8. Avoid unhealthy practices: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption worsens rheumatoid arthritis worse and reduces the efficacy of medication. Additionally, these practices also make it difficult to maintain an active lifestyle, which is crucial for controlling rheumatoid arthritis.
9. Start the morning late: Since the pain tends to get acute in the morning, it is advised for patients to start their day a little late, avoid going out early on a day when the pain is usually severe and joints are inflamed.
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Rheumatoid arthritis can be a critical condition that can have various complicated manifestations. However, consulting, staying in regular touch with the doctors and following a healthy lifestyle can help lead to a happy, productive life with controlled arthritis. In addition to that, a timely visit to a doctor in case of severe symptoms and adherence to prescribed medications and therapies are key to disease management.
