Taming Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis may have you in its grip, but you don't have to stay there. You are the CEO of your Arthritis and your own health, with several strategies available to manage your Rheumatoid Arthritis pain.

You need a doctor on your pain management team

The biggest symptom separating Rheumatoid Arthritis from other forms of arthritis is inflammation. You might be tough and want to fight for your health, but you need a doctor on your team. Without a proper diagnosis and medical treatment to control inflammation, your Rheumatoid Arthritis will progress further. With other forms of arthritis you can be a great self-care manager of pain and even be able to alleviate many of the symptoms, but if the inflammation isn't controlled degeneration of the joint affected will continue. A doctor is vital when dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis and after being diagnosed, you should see a rheumatologist who specializes in arthritis.

You can still self-manage your Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms

To manage your pain is tricky, takes a lot of experimenting with both medications for pain and inflammation and balancing activity that will keep your joint as healthy as possible. Joint care with Rheumatoid Arthritis becomes a delicate balance between resting and moving. It's healthy to keep your affected joints moving; both strengthening and stretching, but also important to know the limitations and messages your body is sending you with pain.

Pain is your body's signal that something is wrong

"No Pain, No Gain," may work to sell runners, but ignoring pain with Rheumatoid Arthritis is not good for your joint health. Discuss Pain management and inflammation with your rheumatologist to come up with a medication strategy that works best for you. Every person and their arthritis is a little bit different, so it will take some experimenting and time to get the balance between medications right. Your doctors will help you find not just pain medication; which could bring some short-term relief, but also medications for inflammation which will slow the diseases progress.

Rest is good for inflamed joints, but so is activity

Resting the area affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis is very important and is proven to reduce inflammation, but too much rest can lead to stiff and weak muscles and joint structures. Not enough activity can also lead to softer bone structures and poor circulation to the joint, creating more opportunity for inflammation to attack the affected joints. The key is balancing activity and rest. Be active; keep moving and if pain comes, know when to stop. There may always be some pain from your arthritis that comes with activity. Our body usually knows the kind of pain response we need to slow down. If pain is sharp and stops you in your tracks and the result is days of inflammation and pain, you've pushed your activity too far. If your pain is dull or achy, doesn't last longer than about two hours after activity and leaves your affected joint feeling better, then you know you are making progress. Inflammation from activity can also be treated with ice, elevation and rest.

Dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis takes a common sense approach

• Don't try to do it all yourself


• Get a doctor on your pain management team, and eventually a rheumatologist


• Find the right medications to treat inflammation


• Find the right medications to treat pain


• Create a healthy balance between rest and activity for your joints health


• Understand that you may never be completely pain free


• Be patient with yourself as you find your arthritis pain management balance

For more information on Rheumatoid Arthritis pain management strategies click some of the many resources available through The Arthritis Society or the Joints in Motion Program