Many of us take for granted simple tasks like turning a doorknob or climbing stairs. However, if you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), these normal movements can be excruciatingly painful. According to estimates, 1.3 million Americans have RA. The condition can affect anyone from birth through maturity and is more common in women than in men.
A person with RA has an autoimmune illness in which their healthy tissue is attacked by their immune system. Any organ may be impacted, but the most common symptoms are weariness and swollen, painful joints. Smaller joints, such as those in your hands and feet, are frequently impacted by RA, but any joint that is not in the back can also be affected. Arthritis hurts and does damage. It can harm joints permanently if left untreated.
Making some healthy lifestyle changes can aid in reducing arthritis symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and swelling. Here is some advice from professionals.
Living an active lifestyle and eating a portion of healthy food helps reduce arthritis discomfort. You may need to manage the autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in your joints, depending on the severity of your disease and the stage you are in. Even while regular exercise is crucial for the treatment of arthritis, overdoing it can occasionally be harmful. There are further lifestyle changes that can enhance the quality of life for arthritis patients. Yoga, anti-inflammatory diets, vitamin supplements, and weight loss can all improve your quality of life if you have arthritis.
“Not everyone has arthritis in the same stage. The stage of arthritis can be identified by speaking with an orthopedic surgeon and taking the proper X-rays, which aids in evaluating the severity of the issue and determining the best course of therapy “Dr. Siddhart Yadav, consultant in orthopedic and joint replacement surgery, explains.
CHANGES IN LIFESTYLE FOR ARTHRITIS
Dr. Siddhart offers an additional five suggestions for easing arthritic symptoms.
1. Lose weight
Obesity is the most common risk factor for developing early osteoarthritis. The strain on the knees during some activities might be close to three times the body weight. Losing weight can both prevent early onset of arthritis and significantly lessen pain for those who already have it.
2. Change your exercise routine
Use only western toilets if you have knee pain and stay away from impact-loading sports like jogging, crouching, skipping, and sitting on the floor. As a result, discomfort would be reduced and potential joint damage would be avoided.
3. Consistent exercise
Regular exercise is just as vital as taking medications because strong muscles stabilize the joints and joint movement and are also helpful for the nourishment of the joint surface.
4. Supplemental Vitamins
Vitamin D promotes healthy bones, while vitamin B12 is good for muscles and nerves. Inadequate vitamin intake over a long period of time can also cause early cartilage deterioration, which causes arthritis.
5. Yoga
Through improved metabolism and stress reduction, yoga indirectly helps. Regular yoga practice raises the pain threshold, which lowers the need for painkillers.
When you have a chronic illness like RA, connecting with others might make you feel better. decide which members of your family and friends can serve as your support network. You can also join a support group to speak with people who are going through similar things and who can provide you with advice based on their experiences as well as support.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be a challenging condition with a wide range of complex symptoms. A happy, successful life with managed arthritis is possible by working together with your doctors, building a solid support system, and embracing a healthy lifestyle, according to Dr. Pugliese.
