Consider a cane
A
lot of people think a cane signifies disability, but if it helps reduce
joint pain, who cares? Canes are easy to find and use and can take up
to 20% of your body weight off of your legs, hips, and ankles.
Check out acupuncture
Some
people say this ancient Eastern healing technique can trigger the body
to release the "feel-good" hormones known as endorphins, thus reducing
pain. But skeptics believe it's just the placebo effect. Only a handful
of small studies have shown that acupuncture can help with RA symptoms.
Still, many people swear by acupuncture, and there's really no downside
to giving it a try—unless you're scared of needles.
Use the right tools
Some
equipment can help make everyday tasks less painful. Products like
pens, knives, can openers, and zipper pulls are available to help you
protect your joints. And good news! You don't always have to look in
specialty stores for them. Many tools are designed simply to make them
easier to use—kitchen tools with large handles, ergonomic can openers,
and large drawer pulls.
Plug into community
Beyond
social support, getting active in a community of other people with
rheumatoid arthritis can be empowering. Even if you just read blogs,
instead of writing one, it can help you feel less isolated. Kelly Young
launched her blog, Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior, after being diagnosed with RA at age 40.
Plan carefully
Because
you can't foresee joint flare-ups, it's a good idea to be prepared and
plan for problems before they happen. Make sure any activity you start
is one that you can end partway through. Break chores up into sections,
and when exercising, you don't have to do 30 minutes at once.
Don't feel guilty
If
you have to give up some tasks, like making the bed or washing the
dishes, don't feel guilty! When you're tired and in pain, it's not your
fault. Do the things you must do or really want to do, and find other
ways to get less important things done.
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