5 Ways To Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis Inflammation

If your joints feel stiff and extremely uncomfortable even during inactivity, there are 5 ways to prevent rheumatoid arthritis inflammation. It’s imperative to get diagnosed and seek the advice of a certified health care professional for the appropriate plan of action. Although the exact causation of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown, some of us have differences in chromosome six that can affect the TNFAIP3 (tumor-causing protein) gene. Additionally, we can carry the HLA-DR4 or HLA-B27 genes, (triggers the body to attack its own tissues) but this still doesn’t guarantee the actual development of rheumatoid arthritis if we are carriers. 

To help reduce rheumatoid arthritis inflammation, you will probably need:

• Dietary changes
• Exercise
• Rest
• Heating pads
• Splinting devices

1. Refer to the advice our ancestors may have given. Although we cannot really prevent inflammation, “you are what you eat” isn’t an outlandish adage when patients with rheumatoid arthritis attempt to prevent pain. Studies of intestinal fluid showed increased antibodies following the consumption of proteins found in dairy products, eggs, cod and pork. Watchful waiting might help sufferers to observe the body’s response after eating and the avoidance of certain foods (can vary with each person) may help prevent inflammation overall.

2. Sweat with the oldies or walk off the pounds. If we engage in a moderate exercise program, it can help us sustain a more ideal body weight and movement can help strengthen muscles and tendons surrounding the joints. We all can risk being injured when we exercise with poor form or for too long, but a person with rheumatoid arthritis needs to stop exercising immediately if any discomfort is felt. Since inflammation can occur more easily with patients having rheumatoid arthritis, exercising with caution is important and (in the long run) maintaining a lighter body weight may help reduce joint stress.  

3. No one is always energetic. Rheumatoid arthritis affects people at any time, although its onset typically begins during middle age. The affects of rheumatoid arthritis can be debilitating to any of the bodily organs, but mainly to the heart and lung tissue. Getting sufficient rest (especially with this condition) can reduce the likeliness of further joint damage and general inflammatory symptoms.

4. Turn on the heat. Using heat can temporarily relieve muscle spasms and bone irritation. These symptoms are commonly seen with rheumatoid arthritis and whether we choose to take a hot shower, use a hot water bottle or heating pad, stick with the method that works best. Heat can be used intermittently (with ice or cold water applied to the affected area for one minute if there’s no tightness within the muscle or tendon).

5. Don’t weave a tangled web of denial. When something hurts, (such as the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles and knees) don’t ignore the pain when it comes to rheumatoid arthritis. We may live in an age of modern convenience, though it seems we’re busier than ever and on the move. Splinting can be a helpful option to support our joints when we cannot rest the body and thus can prevent or reverse swelling.