| Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be a very | | | | discomfort and hold the position for 10 to 30 |
| painful affair. It might mean living with and | | | | seconds before proceeding. |
| enduring chronic pain, fatigue and joint stiffness | | | | Try weight lifting - Making exercise a regular part |
| for years. It can even make you miserable for | | | | of your routine may bring you tons of benefits. |
| the rest of your life! | | | | Performing moderate exercises such as weight |
| Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease where the white | | | | lifting and aerobics can help ease mild to moderate |
| blood cells attack healthy tissues, specifically the | | | | rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. In this case, |
| joints and cartilages, for no apparent reason. If | | | | weight lifting is an ideal exercise since it improves |
| you happen to be afflicted with this disease, you | | | | your flexibility, strength and balance thereby |
| might be in for a very difficult time. But as with all | | | | allowing you an increased capability in handling the |
| other diseases, you can adopt several measures | | | | symptoms of the disease. |
| to help ease the pain brought by the symptoms | | | | Before doing your lifts, don't forget to do some |
| of this crippling disease. Here are a few | | | | stretching exercises. Start with 3 sets of 8 to 10 |
| suggestions that may help you in handling the pain | | | | repetitions. You can even begin your training |
| when a rheumatoid arthritis attack is in the offing: | | | | without using any weights at all! Weights may be |
| Live a healthier lifestyle. It is never too late to | | | | gradually added as your routine progresses. Lift |
| start living healthy. Losing weight can be good for | | | | the weights slowly and evenly to prevent doing |
| your joints - the less you weigh, the lesser the | | | | any more damage to the joints and cartilages. |
| pressure on the joints and hence, you will feel less | | | | Take things easy. Take a rest when your joints |
| pain. So, start eating a healthy diet and get | | | | flare up to avoid adding any more strain to your |
| enough sleep to keep your weight at a healthier | | | | already aching joints. |
| range. | | | | Try alternative therapy - Some people swear by |
| Pop in a pill to reduce the pain - No matter at | | | | the positive results of aqua therapy and Tai Chi in |
| what stage your rheumatoid arthritis might be in, | | | | relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. |
| taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, | | | | Just remember to find a qualified practitioner |
| ibuprofen and naproxen may help keep the pain | | | | before embarking on these routines. And as |
| and the inflammation under control. However, | | | | always, consult with your doctor first before |
| keep in mind that all drugs have a tendency to | | | | doing any exercises. |
| cause certain side effects. So, take caution in | | | | Strive to learn more about the disease - |
| taking these drugs for they might just increase | | | | Knowledge is power. To increase your fighting |
| your risks of developing certain heart problems | | | | chances against rheumatoid arthritis, try to learn |
| and may lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Your | | | | as much as you can about this disease. A large |
| best bet? Take acetaminophen. It can effectively | | | | number of online as well as offline sources can |
| do the job without the risks! | | | | give you all the information that you might need. |
| Stretch those joints! Stretching is an important | | | | When in doubt, ask your doctor to provide you |
| part of any exercise routine because it greatly | | | | with some reference on where to look for |
| enhances your flexibility. When doing your | | | | additional help. |
| stretches, stop whenever you feel a mild | | | | |