According to Rhonda Reininger, associate director of the physical therapy and occupational therapy dpeartment at new York Hospital for Joint Diseases, here are specific techniques for easing the pain of rheumatoid arthritis:
- Protect your joints, even the ones that are symptom-free.
- Exercise three times a week for 30 minutes to increase energy and improve moods. Always check with a doctor to make sure the exercises are safe.
- Stretch all of the joints each day, and start the day with a warm shower to warm up the joints.
- Take breaks to relax, without developing a sedentary lifestyle. Work breaks in with regular exercise.
- Use a warm bath or moist heating pad to relieve pain.
- Ease inflammation of the hands or feet with a hot wax bath.
- Walk with a cane to reduce joint pain by taking weight off the legs, hips, and ankles.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on joints.
- Use special tools that make everyday tasks easier and less painful.
- Plan activities that can be stopped and started later if problems arise.
For more information, go to Health.com.
