My grandmother, who passed away at the young age of 99, suffered from rheumatoid arthritis which is also known as RA. According to the Arthritis Today Magazine, ʺRA which is a chronic disease affects more than 1.3 million Americans per year.ʺ
Unfortunately, if you suffer from RA you will suffer from flare ups which include the symptoms of inflammation and pain. The triggers of the RA flare ups are not clear but they could occur due to stress or an infection.
Arthritis flares are manageable, and the experts offer some great tips on flares. For example, Arthritis Today Magazine stated the following information regarding arthritis flares:
ʺDiscuss a plan of action with your doctor. One approach would be to adjust your medications temporarily while the disease is unusually active. This will not only relieve some of the pain associated with an arthritis flare, but also help minimize any damage that may occur from unchecked inflammation. Be aware that your medications may not control the flare right away, even if your dosages are increased. Or they may only have a limited effect on your flare. Of course you and your doctors should be in agreement about possible increases in your medications, or even additions of new medications during a rheumatoid arthritis flare. Many doctors will suggest a plan that you can use at each flare’s onset without having to seek his or her permission each time.ʺ
Also, here are a handful of recommendations from Arthritis Today Magazine and Healthy Women for managing RA. Please note that these are in no specific order and recommended by the above:
• It's all about YOU
• Be your own advocate
• Find ways to reduce and relieve stress
• Practice relaxation or mind-diversion techniques
• Find a health care professional with whom you feel comfortable
• Set goals
• Stay active
• Listen to your body
• Balance periods of activity with periods of rest
• Get plenty of rest. Try 7-9 hours of sleep
• Plan ahead
• Have a plan to deal with your obligations
• Eat a balanced diet
• Communicate with your family and friends
• Share with family and friends and get their support
• Modify activities with small changes
• Apply a hot or cold pack to inflamed joints
• Stay positive
• Don't smoke
• Celebrate daily victories
Do you have an RA tip? Please feel free to add your RA suggestion in our comment section.
References:
Arthritis Flare | Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare | Arthritis Today Magazine. Arthritis | Arthritis Today Magazine | Arthritis Foundation. Retrieved April 30, 2012, from http://www.arthritistoday.org/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/better-living/arthritis-flare.php
Tips for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis, Reducing RA Flare-Ups | HealthyWomen. Womens Health | Women's Wellness | Womens Mental Health | Women's Birth Control. Retrieved April 30, 2012, from
http://www.healthywomen.org/content/article/tips-managing-rheumatoid-arthritis
Reviewed April 30, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith