Slowing The Progression Of Rheumatoid Arthritis - Rheumatoid Arthritis: Arthritis

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Slowing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition, without a cure. For that reason, most people find that it's necessary to combine the drug therapies and surgical options already described with lifestyle changes and supportive services. It's also a good idea to periodically review your balance of drug, surgery, and other management strategies to make sure they still meet your individual needs.

Physical and occupational therapy. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, it's important to pay special attention to the way you move and the way you function in general. Joint pain and generalized symptoms such as fatigue and stiffness can make ordinary activities — known as activities of daily living — more challenging, especially during flares. An occupational therapist or physical therapist can offer many suggestions about how to optimize your capacity to manage everyday tasks at home and at work.

These therapists can also provide you with special devices to help conserve your energy and protect your joints. For example, during times when your joints are particularly tender, you can use a splint, brace, sling, elastic bandage, or cane to reduce the pressure on your joints and protect them from further injury. A podiatrist may provide shoe inserts (orthotics), recommend special shoes, or suggest other treatments to reduce pain in your feet and improve your ability to function.

Exercise. To prevent disability and preserve joint function, it's important to develop an exercise routine. It may help to have your health care provider or a physical therapist evaluate the motion of your joints and suggest specific exercises to help maintain your present level of functioning. If you don't actively use a diseased joint because of pain, you may develop muscle atrophy, which can result in loss of muscle strength and endurance.

Isometric exercises, which do not require joint motion, can be especially effective during flares. It is crucial to work with your health care provider to arrive at the right balance between exercise and rest. Never exercise to the point of increased or severe pain.

Diet. Although unscrupulous vendors may claim otherwise, there is no diet known to improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and there are no proven dietary supplements that are clearly effective over a long period of time.

Complementary and alternative therapies. A number of alternative therapies have been advocated for rheumatoid arthritis, although most have not been rigorously studied. Researchers are sorting out which complementary approaches work best for people with rheumatoid arthritis (see "Physical and complementary therapies").

Last updated:	September 05, 2008