How to Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and can cause stiffness, swelling and pain. While the hands are the most common areas affected, any joint in the body can become inflamed, including the knees and jaw. There are ways to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and help increase your quality of life.
Things You’ll Need:
- Ice Pack
Ice Packs
- Purchase an ice pack large enough to apply to any inflamed joint. Keep the pack in the freezer for emergency use during flare-ups. If purchasing an ice pack is not in your budget, then a gallon-sized frozen zipper bag filled with ice will do.
- Apply the ice pack to the inflamed area as soon as symptoms occur. Extreme cold applied directly to the skin can become painful after awhile. Wrap the ice pack in a washcloth before applying to create a barrier between the cold and your skin.
- Remove the ice pack after 15 minutes. Do not apply the pack for longer than 15 minutes. This can cause more harm than good. Allow the area to rest. If symptoms do not relent, do another 15-minute session. Always take a 30-minute break between sessions.
Exercise
- Stretch daily. Keeping the joints flexible can reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. If you are a beginner, stretch each area for at least ten seconds. As you become more flexible, add a few seconds to the amount of time you stretch each area until you are stretching each joint at least 30 seconds each.
- Avoid any exercise that adds stress to the joints. High impact exercise, such as jogging, can inflame the joints and cause flare-ups of rheumatoid arthritis. Stick with low impact exercise like swimming.