Ways To Alleviate The Pain Associated With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that mostly affects women, but men are also susceptible to its effects, where the joints or more accurately the lining between the joints becomes inflamed. This can also do a great deal of damage to the joints themselves and as you can imagine causes immense pain to the sufferer. It tends to start in early to late middle age and affects approximately double the number of women as men. No one who suffers from the symptoms is immune from the great pain this infliction causes for its sufferers. However, there are some things that you can do, if not to totally alleviate it, then at least to help a little.

Although you may feel like not doing anything that could disturb your joints some doctors believe that exercise is very important and can give positive benefits to the rheumatoid arthritis suffer. Many people find that gentle exercise that limits the impact can be beneficial. Some people favor walking, while others prefer something more supportive, such as swimming or even cycling. A good low impact activity should allow you to exercise without placing any undue stress or extra strain on your joints. But before starting on any exercise program, it is a good idea to contact your doctor who can advise you on the best type of exercise for your particular condition.

Some people also believe that hot or cold compresses can help to alleviate the pain associated with or brought on by rheumatoid arthritis. Although this probably will not replace the need for medication it can help to make you a little more comfortable. Many people find that an ice pack can help to reduce the pain considerably and allow you to feel a little more comfortable when relaxing at home.

Rheumatoid arthritis seems to be an increasingly common problem among the late middle-aged people and can be very painful. But with a little care and attention that are ways to decrease the amount of pain experienced from this condition. Many doctors are now advising patients that a good diet containing plenty of zinc fish oils and antioxidants can have positive effects on their arthritis conditions. Although most people will still require some form of pain relief there are ways such as exercise, ice packs and improved diets that can make a positive contribution and help you to avoid the need to rely solely on the us of pain relieving drugs.

The best person to speak to about alternatives that you can take to help to improve your condition is your doctor or health specialist. They should be able to give you some good advice on improvements to your diet and exercises that can help make you more comfortable.