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There are millions of us in America who are suffering from arthritis or one of the other diseases that is related, in one form or another. There is long-lasting pain which can last 3 to 6 months. And there is chronic that can last a lifetime and that is the group where Rheumatoid arthritis pain is found. Both of these types of pain are experienced by many today.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic pain in the joints, most commonly in the hands, knees, and wrists on both sides of the body. It is a symmetric multiple joint pain that distinguishes rheumatoid arthritis from other arthritis types. And unlike other types of arthritis, it can affect other parts of the body as well such as the blood, eyes, heart, lungs, kidneys, nerves, and skin. It is an autoimmune disease which means that those afflicted with its immune system fights itself. It over-reacts and that can generate many of the symptoms that are associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Pain Management Center And Non-Pharmacologic Therapies
More and more people are looking for therapy to heal anything and everything, including Rheumatoid Arthritis. These are referred to as non-pharmacologic therapy and can include a variety of different treatments that may or may not include medication. Today, a person suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis can enroll in a pain management clinic where their doctor will prescribe one or a combination of the different non-pharmacologic therapies. However, some of the most practical therapy treatments you can do at home such as:
Getting Plenty Of Rest
Rheumatoid Arthritis causes the joints to become inflamed which increases the patients risk for injury to the joint as well the soft tissues that are adjacent to the joints, like the ligaments and tendons. So this is why rest is the best treatment for inflamed joints. However, at the same time, a person the rheumatoid arthritis should keep a level of physical fitness as much as possible too so they can maintain a good range of motion for their joints. Having a good fitness routine can help to cope with the diseases systemic features.
Speaking Of Exercise
A person with Rheumatoid Arthritis will have daily pain and feel stiff, which does not make one want to exercise or workout. A rheumatoid arthritis patient is very prone to become inactive and that can lead to contractions, loss of joint motion, and loss of muscle strength. And that will only make the pain more intense, the stiffness more intense and increases the fatigue.
When you suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, you need a regular exercise program. This is best done with the guidance of a physical therapist in a controlled environment. They will work with you on exercises that are beneficial to help with your range-of-motion, preserving and restoring your joint motion all while making you stronger. Exercise such as cycling, swimming and walking will also increase your endurance.
Other Types of Therapy Youll Find In A Pain Management Center
Along with the physical exercise to help your Rheumatoid Arthritis, your doctor may use therapy such as heat and cold application to ease your pain and loosen up the joints. They may use ultrasound which has proven to reduce inflammation surrounding the tendons. They may recommend splinting your problem joints to reduce and improve their function, like your fingers. And they will often recommend a relaxation therapy to help the muscle spasms.
Pain management for arthritis patients is an ongoing process. Somedays they need more help and somedays the pain is minimal, almost non-existent. The weather can have an impact on it as well but the exercises the staff at a pain management clinic gives you are very helpful in getting through those days.
