Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis-Related Joint Pain
Posted on: 15 May 2020
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory condition that is considered an autoimmune disorder. Not only does it cause pain, inflammation, redness, and deformity of the joints, but it can also cause systemic symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, weakness, fevers, and loss of appetite. Here are some effective treatment options your rheumatologist may recommend to help ease your symptoms so that you can live more comfortably.
NSAIDs
If you are unable to tolerate the side effects of narcotic pain relievers or other prescription pain medications, then your rheumatologist may recommend over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. These drugs include naproxen sodium and ibuprofen, and they help minimize joint inflammation and ease pain.
They can also help promote better mobility and range of motion of the joints, and they may also help relieve some of the systemic effects of rheumatoid arthritis as well. If over-the-counter NSAIDs fail to relieve your symptoms, your rheumatologist can prescribe a stronger NSAID, which may be more effective in mitigating moderate to severe rheumatoid pain.
While effective in treating arthritic conditions, NSAIDs can cause side effects such as stomach upset, fluid retention, and elevated blood pressure in certain people. If you develop an upset stomach or nausea as a result of taking NSAIDs, try taking them with food, which may help prevent digestive problems.
Occupational Therapy
Pain and immobility from rheumatoid arthritis can make it difficult for you to perform certain tasks such as dressing, cooking, combing your hair, cleaning your house, or even holding a toothbrush or utensil. An occupational therapist can teach you exercises that will help preserve your joint function while enhancing mobility.
The occupational therapist can also show you ways to help relieve pressure on your joints as well as showing you how to use eating utensils and toothbrushes with built-up handles so that they are easier to grip.
The therapist will tell you that you can purchase special utensils and toothbrushes with built-up handles at a medical supply retailer. He or she may also tell you that you can build up the handles yourself by wrapping them with masking tape or adhesive-backed soft foam.
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, make an appointment with a rheumatologist to learn more about effective treatment options. When you see your physician on a regular basis, he or she can monitor your progress so that your treatments can be altered as needed to suit your pain relief needs.
To learn more, contact a company like Sarasota Arthritis Center.
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