Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory pathology of connective tissue, mainly manifested by erosion and damage to small joints. It is also characterized by lesions of skeletal muscles, formation of subcutaneous nodules, and disruption of internal organs.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a common disease, occurring in all countries in about 1% of the total population. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, women are more susceptible to the disease (diagnosed 3 times more often than men). The onset of the disease is between 40-55 years of age.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
The main manifestation of the disease is pain and swelling in various joints, primarily in the joints of the fingers and hands. Symmetrical lesions of small joints of the hands and feet are characteristic. Pain increases with movement and at rest, there is morning stiffness, swelling, joint dysfunction. Over time, the process may involve the feet, ankle, knee, elbow joints. In some patients, on the contrary, the joints of the legs (knee, ankle), shoulder joints and only then – hands may be affected first. Chronic inflammation of a joint leads to destruction of articular cartilage and deformity of the joint, which in turn impairs its function – pain on movement and stiffness.
Causes of rheumatoid arthritis
The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not fully understood. Viruses such as Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus can increase the risk of developing the disease. Hereditary factors and immune system malfunctions also play an important role – the immune system begins to attack its own tissues. Inflammation of the synovial membrane leads to the formation of granulation tissue, which destroys cartilage and causes joint deformation. Over time, the process becomes chronic, reducing mobility. Rheumatoid arthritis is often combined with other rheumatic diseases.
How to reduce physical joint discomfort
- Exercise
Moderate physical activity is an effective way to reduce morning stiffness. The best way to reduce stiffness in the morning is gentle exercise agreed with your doctor: slow walking, stretching, light yoga. You can even start in bed, gently kneading the joints from head to toe. The main thing – move carefully and listen to your body.
- Heat and cold
Warm compresses, showers or baths help to relax stiff joints, but not in the case of an exacerbation – in this case, cold can help. Ice wrapped in a towel reduces swelling and pain, but don’t keep it on for longer than 5 minutes. Choose the method that works best for you.
- Relaxation
Stress increases rheumatoid arthritis pain, so relaxation techniques are important: meditation, breathing practices, and massage. Massage can relieve tension and improve joint mobility, but you should consult your doctor before doing so.
How to organize your life to suffer less in the morning
A list of recommendations that will not affect the physical condition of your joints, but will help you organize your life so that you can use them less in the morning:
- Prepare for the morning from the evening
Use the evening, when your joints are in better condition, to prepare for the next day. Make preparations for breakfast or cook it completely and only heat it up in the morning. Prepare your clothes in advance and put them next to your bed. If you have children, you can also prepare their school lunches in advance and pack their bags. Put everything you need right by the door so you don’t have to carry things around the house in the morning.
- Arrange for help
If you live with your spouse, arrange for him or her to take care of the morning chores (breakfast, getting the kids to school, walking the dog, taking the kids out). You will take care of the evening chores.
- Set an early alarm clock
Set your alarm about half an hour earlier than you actually need to get up. This half hour will allow you to stretch and warm up quietly before you need to get active. And this decision will reduce stress – you won’t be rushed and angry at your condition in the morning, pushing yourself.
- Experiment with Adaptive Devices
To ease the strain on your painful hands, try using special adaptive devices: a toothbrush with a wide handle, utensils with a large comfortable grip, handrails in the bedroom and bathroom. This will help you get through your morning routine with less discomfort.
- Maximize your mornings
Plan your day so that there are no important meetings, complicated work tasks, doctor’s appointments, or other energy-consuming activities in the morning. Try not to stress yourself out at the beginning of the day.
- Take your medication before you finally wake up
If you need to take pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications in the morning, do so an hour before getting out of bed. Keep a glass of water and a small snack by your bedside to avoid taking the medication on an empty stomach. When getting ready for bed, set your alarm clock an hour earlier than your normal wake-up time. When it rings, do not get up, just eat a small snack and take your medicine. Then go back to sleep. By the time you need to get up, the medicine will have taken effect.
- Make arrangements with your boss
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis may have morning stiffness that lasts longer than usual – not 1-2 hours, but half a day or more. If this is your case, try to negotiate with your employer for special conditions – flexible working hours or the possibility to work from home. And while working, take frequent breaks for small warm-ups and stretches.
Is it possible to cure rheumatoid arthritis
Modern treatment methods do not cure rheumatoid arthritis completely. But this does not mean that a patient with arthritis is forced to experience pain and discomfort for the rest of his life. Properly selected treatment together with a complete diet and a healthy lifestyle will relieve symptoms and put the disease in remission. Even with rheumatoid arthritis, you can feel well and go about your daily activities as a perfectly healthy person.
Physical therapy
In the blood of a patient who exercises regularly, the concentration of substances that trigger inflammation is reduced and the concentration of their antagonists – anti-inflammatory substances – is increased. This means that physical therapy can not only strengthen muscles, but also restore flexibility and mobility to damaged joints. It is important that the complex of exercises is made by a rehabilitation doctor who will take into account all the characteristics of the patient. For example, one patient with damaged shoulder joints may benefit from push-ups from the floor, while another may be harmed.
Conclusion
Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious chronic disease, but with early detection and the right therapy it can be successfully managed. Attention to the first symptoms, regular exercise, careful attitude to yourself, help from loved ones and lifestyle adaptation – all this helps to keep active, reduce pain and improve quality of life. Modern medicine offers effective methods of controlling the disease, and the support of specialists and your own care for your body and mental health make the journey with rheumatoid arthritis much easier.
