Get support
Having
a chronic illness can be isolating, but being open about your condition
can help. Feeling comfortable asking for help when you need it—or just
having a shoulder to cry on—can make a big difference in how you feel,
both physically and mentally. Online and real-life support groups are
great places to meet other people with RA and share coping strategies.
Give it a rest
Taking
a break can relax your mind, ease pain in your joints, and help reduce
the fatigue that's often associated with RA. On the flip side, avoid too
much rest. A inactive lifestyle can be harmful, so intermingle rest
periods with activity.
Get your eyes checked
RA
can affect the eyes, causing complications that could lead to
blindness. Symptoms include blurred vision, pain, redness, and light
sensitivity, but anti-inflammatory eye drops can help RA-related eye
conditions.
Consider occupational therapy
This
type of therapy can be a good bridge to a regular exercise plan. OT
helps people live as independently and fully as possible, no matter what
his or her age or condition. An occupational therapist will work with
you to identify problem areas in your daily life and figure out ways to
eliminate them, or work around them.
Do strength training
Studies
have shown that moderate- or high-intensity strength training can help
increase or maintain muscle strength for people with RA. Another study
reports that a program of long-term, high-intensity weight-bearing
exercises improves the functional ability, physical capacity, and
emotional status of people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Check your vitamins
Many
nutrients have been given mixed reviews when it comes to helping
patients with RA. For example, some studies showed that vitamin E
supplements reduce RA joint destruction and pain, while others do not.
In addition, some RA patients take methotrexate to slow disease
progression. But the drug also inhibits folic acid metabolism and causes
a range of side effects. So make sure you read the fine print before
taking vitamins regularly.
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