Rheumatoid arthritis management generally involves treating different aspects of the disease. These treatments typically include medications to manage pain in addition to lifestyle changes. The most common pain medications are generally anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. People who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis often have difficulty performing some tasks, and careful control of their environment can make these tasks easier. The pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis often leads to chronic fatigue, and sometimes changes in diet and exercise can help improve energy levels.
Pain is considered one of the most debilitating aspects of rheumatoid arthritis, and finding ways to lessen the degree of pain is generally a crucial element in rheumatoid arthritis management. The pain stems primarily from inflammation of the joints along with the surrounding tissue. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications usually are the first option. They work by reducing inflammation and are considered relatively safe. With prolonged use, however, some people might eventually develop stomach problems, such as ulcers.
Another way of dealing with the pain associated with the disease is the use of steroids. These drugs can sometimes lead to serious side effects, so they are often considered a treatment of last resort. Some of those side effects include organ damage, mood swings and infertility. Also at issue is the possibility of weight gain when using steroids. Being overweight can make movement much more painful for people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
Physical rehabilitation is often another important aspect of rheumatoid arthritis management, partially because of its potential to help some patients increase joint flexibility. This physical therapy usually consists of less-strenuous exercises such as swimming and walking, which tend to put a lower level of strain on the joints. Environment and occupational therapy are also important. These types of therapies focus on finding alternate ways of doing everyday tasks that might otherwise be difficult for the patient to accomplish. For instance, simply wearing clothing that is free of buttons and zippers could eliminate the pain that many sufferers experience while dressing themselves.
People who have rheumatoid arthritis usually suffer from chronic fatigue, which generally stems from constant pain and the stress it puts on the body. A large part of rheumatoid arthritis management often involves learning how to manage this fatigue. Research seems to show that diet can have a direct impact on energy levels. Diets rich in protein and low in carbohydrates typically are recommended. Certain dietary supplements, such as fish oil and vitamin B, might also be helpful in boosting energy.
