How will Rheumatoid Arthritis change my life?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful, tiring inflammatory disease that affects numerous joints, muscles and tendons in the body’s peripheral joints. Many people feel the effects of rheumatoid arthritis in their hands; the disease also occurs frequently in the knees, fingers and toes.

People who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis often require some degree of lifelong care. Some must undergo surgery for treatment of their symptoms, while many patients regularly take anti-inflammatory and pain-killing medications. People who have rheumatoid arthritis may experience extreme fatigue or prolonged periods of pain. For this reason, doctors often recommend making lifestyle changes to help alleviate symptoms and health risks associated with this condition.

Live a balanced life

Exercise and a healthy dieting are strongly recommended for people with rheumatoid arthritis. That’s because people with this disease are at a heightened risk for developing heart disease, and dieting and exercising are two of the biggest steps toward achieving cardiovascular health. Arthritis patients may be reluctant to exercise, but being physically active actually relieves symptoms by strengthening your bones, joints and muscles. Consult with your doctor or physical therapist to build an exercise plan tailored to your needs.

Healthy dieting is equally important. Make an effort to cut sodium and fat from your diet, especially saturated fat. This means scaling back on fried foods, red meat, salted snacks and cheese. Concentrate on losing weight by monitoring your caloric intake. Eating vegetables, grains and fruit rich with fiber will help your heart while also aiding the digestive process. Remember that it’s fine to treat yourself every once in awhile.

Don’t be afraid to rest

People with rheumatoid arthritis tend to become tired rather easily. The disease can be very painful, putting stress on the body and causing fatigue. Patients with severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis should plan on taking several naps each day; that means planning for rest periods during days when patients are out of the house. Resting too much can have a detrimental effect on symptoms by causing patients to become stiff and weak. Short, 15-minute naps are recommended to maintain mobility and energy.

Can I prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent this condition from occurring. The reason there are no risk factors is because researchers don’t know exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis. Genetics are believed to be a factor in many who develop rheumatoid arthritis. Women are more than twice as likely than men to develop the condition, and the condition usually sets in after the age of 40. Beyond that, nobody can say for certain who is at greater risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis.