Pain Awareness Month: Tips for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

September is Pain Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the many people living with chronic pain and the challenges they face daily.

This month is dedicated to educating the public, advocating for better pain management, and supporting those who live with chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

As we observe Pain Awareness Month, exploring ways to manage the associated pain is essential. If you’re living with RA, this is a chance to prioritize your well-being and explore options that can help you live more comfortably.

Watch the video: Pain Awareness Month: Tips for Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

How Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects Your Body: A Simple Guide to What’s Happening Inside

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the 100 identified types of arthritis. Classified as an autoimmune disease affecting the joints and other organs, RA stems from an overactive immune response.

In simpler terms, your immune system, which usually protects you from infections, mistakenly attacks the tissues in your joints. This action triggers chronic inflammation, leading to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

The inflammation caused by RA can also affect other parts of the body, including the lining of blood vessels (endothelial activation) and the tissue surrounding the joints (synovial hyperplasia).

Over time, the ongoing inflammation can damage cartilage and bone within the joint, making movement more difficult and painful. Unfortunately, RA is a chronic progressive condition, meaning it can worsen over time if not managed effectively.

The Growing Impact of Arthritis

Arthritis, including RA, is not just a problem for older adults. People of all ages can be affected, and the impact is widespread.

Today, over 58 million U.S. adults are living with some form of arthritis, and the number continues to rise. Projections estimate that by 2040, 78 million adults in the United States will have arthritis.

These numbers highlight the importance of increased awareness, better treatment options, and ongoing support for those affected and those at risk.

Tips for Managing RA Pain

While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are ways for you to manage the pain and improve your quality of life. Here are some strategies that can help:

1. Stay Active

Moderate exercise, when done regularly, can help maintain joint flexibility, strengthen muscles, and reduce pain.

Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga are excellent choices for people with RA. Just be sure to speak to your doctor before beginning an exercise routine, and always listen to your body to avoid overexertion.

 

2. Focus on a Healthy Diet and Weight Management

Foods like leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, herring, tuna, and halibut, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

The best way to incorporate these foods into your diet is to ask your primary care physician or nutritionist to create a custom diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods to help manage RA symptoms.

Furthermore, maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on your joints. Therefore, please work with your healthcare team to determine your healthy weight and devise a strategy to achieve and maintain it.

3. Use Heat and Cold Therapy

Applying heat to stiff joints helps relax muscles and improve blood flow, while cold therapy serves to reduce inflammation and numb sharp pain.

Try using a heating pad or warm bath in the morning to ease stiffness or applying an ice pack to swollen joints after activity.

4. Prioritize Rest

Fatigue is a common symptom of RA. Make sure to get enough rest and pace yourself throughout the day.

Your body is not your enemy; it’s your ally, so learn to listen to it and don’t hesitate to take breaks when needed.

5. Explore Biologic Therapies

For many people with RA, traditional medications may not provide enough relief.

Biologic therapies are a newer class of medicines that target unique parts of the immune system known to cause inflammation. These medications can help reduce pain, prevent joint damage, and slow the progression of RA.

If you’re struggling to manage your symptoms, speak to your doctor about whether biologic therapy could be right for you.

6. Stay Connected and Seek Support

Living with RA can be isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone.

Join a support group, connect with others who understand what you’re going through, or reach out to friends and family.

Emotional support can make a substantial difference in managing your pain and overall well-being.

We hope this Pain Awareness Month reminds you that you are not alone in your journey with rheumatoid arthritis. By taking proactive steps to manage your pain with the help of your healthcare team, you can live a fulfilling and active life despite the challenges of RA.