Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Rheumatoid arthritis is a very common form of arthritis, which affects about 10% of the population. It gives rise to inflammation, pain and swelling of the joints. If there is persistent inflammation of the joints, it can cause damage of the joints. The severity of rheumatoid arthritis pain, inflammation and swelling ranges from mild to severe. Contrary to the belief, rheumatoid arthritis is not a hereditary disease. It can actually develop at any age, but usually is seen in between 40 and 60 years of age. Women are three times more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis as compared to men.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Description

It is normally a chronic condition and can hamper the everyday activity movements. It is one of the most disabling types of arthritis. The symptoms in a person can vary and can become severe and cause painful deformities. There is no exact analysis, about how the disease can appear. It can appear slowly or suddenly. The joints, which are normally affected by rheumatoid arthritis include the small finger joints, wrists, knees and toes. However, it does not mean that the other joints are not affected. The other joints also have potential risks. The most common symptom of this condition is stiffness in the joints and surrounding muscles, which may last for several hours after waking up in the morning.

Treatment

Relief from rheumatoid arthritis cannot come about in a day. It is important, that you follow rheumatoid arthritis diet, to help in alleviating the pain. You will have to take consistent efforts to relieve yourself of the pain. Among the many ways of treating the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis, aspirin is said to be effective. Large doses of aspirin and aspirin like drugs are given, which help in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. There are disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which are available. These drugs are used to ease the symptoms and also prevent the disease from damaging the joints any further.

Meditation and relaxation techniques can help you to relax your mind and also relieve pain. Warm compress and cold compress along with massages can be used for pain management. Acupuncture helps in boosting endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers. Exercises and physical activity help in keeping the joints strong. It is important, that the joints are exercised in the entire range of motion of these joints, so as to avoid the joints from becoming stiff.

There are joint protection techniques, which can help alleviating the condition. Moving each joint through its full pain free range of motion at least once a day is important, but you will have to take care, that you do not overdo it. You will have to keep the movements slow and gentle. If you suddenly jerk the joint, it can cause further damage to the joint. It is advisable to undertake some exercise. Swimming is recommended as a form of exercise, as it is does not cause stress on the joints, while it gives the joint the required range of motion.

You will have to learn to distinguish between general discomfort and rheumatoid arthritis pain. At the same time you will have to note the activities, which cause discomfort even after an hour of the activity. If it is so, you will have to understand that the activity was very stressful. When you are undertaking any activity, it is always good to use the strongest joint to do the activity. It is not advisable to keep the joint in the same position for an extended period of time. This will cause the joints to become stiff. Hence, it is important to keep moving them at regular intervals. When you are planning for the day, you will have to make sure, that you divide your workload throughout the day. This will prevent the joints from getting over-worked. It is a good idea to alternate between light and moderate activities all through the day.

You will have to undertake conscious efforts to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis pain. Healthy diet and regular exercise will help in pain management. Normally, a number of people are able to lead a normal life after the condition is diagnosed. Although in some cases, it can cause severe disability.