Rheumatoid arthritis part 4 HELLO I AM DR. SUGAR, YOUR INTERNET DOCTOR, HERE TO continue our discussion on rheumatoid arthritis. I will go into a lot more detail on lifestyle modification for rheumatoid arthritis. - - so if you are ready, let’s get started with a dose of MEDICAL INSPIRATION.
Doctors use a variety of approaches to treat rheumatoid arthritis. These are used in different combinations and at different times during the course of the disease and are chosen according to the patient's individual situation. The treatment goals are to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, slow down or stop joint damage, and improve the person's sense of well-being and ability to function.
Good communication between the patient and doctor is necessary for effective treatment. Talking to your doctor at regularly scheduled visits can help ensure that exercise and pain management programs are provided as needed, and that drugs are prescribed appropriately.
Certain activities can help improve a person's ability to function independently and maintain a positive outlook.
•People with rheumatoid arthritis need a good balance between rest and exercise, with more rest when the disease is active and more exercise when it is not.
•Some people find using a splint for a short time around a painful joint reduces pain and swelling by supporting the joint and letting it rest. Splints are used mostly on wrists and hands, but occasionally also on ankles and feet.
•People with rheumatoid arthritis face emotional challenges as well as physical ones. The emotions they feel because of the disease- - fear, anger, and frustration-combined with any pain and physical limitations can increase their stress level. Although there is no evidence that stress plays a role in causing rheumatoid arthritis, it can make living with the disease difficult at times. And I think it is pretty clear that Stress can affect the amount of pain a person feels.
There are a number of successful techniques for coping with stress. Regular rest periods can help, as can relaxation techniques, distraction techniques, deep breathing techniques,
or visualization exercises. Exercise programs, participation in support groups, and good communication with the health care team are other ways to reduce stress.
•With the exception of several specific types of oils, there is no scientific evidence that any specific food or nutrient helps or harms people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, an overall nutritious diet with enough-but not an excess of-calories, protein, and calcium is important.
I am Doctor Sugar and I want to invite you to join me for part 5 of my blog series on Understanding rheumatoid arthritis. In the next section, I will go into a lot more detail on treatment and prognosis for rheumatoid arthritis. Make sure to check it out. I’ll see you there!!
Giving You Your Dose of MEDICAL INSPIRATION,
Dr. Sugar
TO YOUR TOTAL WELLNESS!
References:
1.
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rheumatic_Disease/default.asp 2.
http://www.hopkins-arthritis.org/arthritis-info/rheumatoid-arthritis/index.html 3.The John Hopkins Arthritis Center
4.National Institutes of Health
The information contained in this blog is not medical advice.
Please consult your medical doctor before making any decisions
or taking any actions on your health or the health of your family.
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