Coping Mechanisms For Rheumatoid Arthritis
by Andrew John
Rheumatoid arthritis is a dangerous, painful and extremely frustrating form of arthritis. This autoimmune inflammatory disease attacks joints and internal organs alike, effectively causing problems in every activity one may want to do. The fact that rheumatoid arthritis always attacks both sides of the body at the same time, affecting the same joints on both sides only adds to the discomfort.
Currently, there is no way to cure rheumatoid arthritis. Fortunately, there are a few ways to help those who suffer from this disease. From medications that slow down the progress of the disease and get rid of pain to small changes in one's lifestyle - there are still hundreds of things one can do to make the life a bit easier.
One thing that most people forgot about is to do exercises. Everything that will keep your joints moving will slow down the disease and improve your ability to move. Generally, most cardiovascular exercises are ok. However, you should still ask your doctor about it, especially if your condition is not perfect or if your internal organs are already affected. He should be able to give you a list of most beneficial articles as well as a list of those that you shouldn't do.
Another main issue is the pain which may sometimes become strong enough to prevent sleeping. The first thing one should do is to talk to a doctor. She will be able to give you some sleeping pills that will make getting to sleep much easier. For pain however, you should rely more on heat and cold to reduce it rather than on the pills. Hot baths and ice placed right on the joint in pain will surely help a lot.
As for the diet, a recent research report published in the Journal of Rheumatology points that Omega-3 fatty acids (as well as other fish oil acids) have strong effects on rheumatoid arthritis, reducing the pain and having some mild anti-inflammatory effect. Adding Omega Daily, a food supplement containing Omega-3 acids, might be a good idea indeed, though adding a decent amount of tuna, herring or salmon to your diet may have a similarly good result.
About the Author: Andrew John writes on the subjects that are important in helping people help themselves. For more information on Omega Daily and Rheumatoid Arthritis just click on the links. Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.
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