Effectively Dealing With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is just one of the numerous types of arthritis. This painful and often debilitating condition happens when the immune system attacks the synovium that lines the joints. As a result, afflicted individuals experience pain and inflammation in the affected areas. Although to date it cannot be cured, managing RA's symptoms is highly possible.

The number one complaint of those with RA is often the incapacitating pain that is experienced during flares. But this may also bug them during remissions, times when the condition isn't active, due to the damage incurred by the joints. NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed for pain management. A rheumatologist may also advise the patient to take other drugs together with NSAIDs to help prevent further destruction of the synovium.

Physical or occupational therapy is often part of the recommended treatment plan. Working with a therapist can help the individual to carry out everyday tasks at home or in the office. The goal is to make the person as independent as possible despite RA's presence. Joint and muscle movements are improved through physical exercises and other methods.

An exercise plan will be created by a therapist, suited to a person's needs and fitness level. The goal is to increase flexibility and muscle strength. This part of RA management can help reduce the damage to the joints as the condition progresses.

Heat application helps in alleviating the pain experienced. Hot moist packs provide superficial heating, especially effective on problem areas covered by little soft tissue. They are commonly applied on the hands and feet. Radiant heat through the use of lamps may be utilized especially if the individual has trouble tolerating the weight of hot moist packs.

Deep heating is employed to increase the temperature at much deeper levels. To achieve such effect, ultrasound is used. It is also said to help in enhancing the effects of topical anti-inflammatory drugs or anesthetics. There are times when cryotherapy is done. The application of cold packs, coolant sprays or immersion of affected large body areas to cold water may be performed.

Aquatic therapy pools can also be beneficial for people afflicted with RA. They help reduce the weight load of affected joints as various physical exercises are performed. Certain types may be installed at home, allowing rheumatoid arthritis sufferers to take advantage of the favorable effects without the need to go to a medical or sports facility where such is available.