Top 5 Ways to Help Alleviate Joint Pain with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes pain and swelling in your joints. Whether you've just been diagnosed or have been dealing with RA for several years, the pain can really slow you down. That’s why finding effective ways to cope with the discomfort is essential for maintaining your quality of life.

Here at Comprehensive Arthritis Care in Hendersonville, Tennessee, we specialize in arthritis care and provide cutting-edge treatments to help you preserve your joint mobility. In this blog, our board-certified rheumatologist, Mohammad F. Ali, MD, shares five strategies you can use to help manage the pain that RA causes.

1. Does maintaining a healthy weight reduce joint pain?

If you’re overweight, the extra pounds you’re carrying put pressure and stress on your joints, causing inflammation and discomfort. A balanced diet can help you get to a healthy weight and maintain it. Choose foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids, and steer clear of processed foods and sugary drinks that are inflammatory and cause you to put on weight.

2. Does staying active help with joint mobility?

Physical activity helps minimize RA pain by keeping your joints flexible, but high-impact exercises like running or cardio can make your symptoms worse. Dr. Ali recommends low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling because they help strengthen the muscles around your joints without putting too much strain on them. Be sure to include stretching in your daily routine as well. It’s an excellent way to stay flexible and optimize your range of motion.

3. Is using hot and cold therapy helpful?

Hot and cold therapy are well-known methods to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis pain and reduce inflammation in your joints. Apply a heating pad to your sore areas to relax tight muscles, increase blood flow, and decrease stiffness. Ice packs help reduce swelling by numbing the painful area. Our team recommends alternating between hot and cold therapy to maximize your results.

4. Will physical therapy help?

Physical therapy uses targeted exercises to help manage your pain, prevent disability, improve your range of motion, and keep flexible. Some exercises your physical therapist may use include:

● Balancing

● Stretching

● Walking

● Swimming

Physical therapy helps improve joint mobility so you can have better range of motion.

5. How does stress affect arthritis pain?

Stress takes a toll on your body and can make your symptoms worse. Try some proven stress management techniques like deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or sauna sessions to help you destress.

If you’re suffering with RA pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to our skilled and caring team.

Dr. Ali can customize a care plan that addresses your specific needs. Call now or request your appointment online at Comprehensive Arthritis Care.