Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of mobility, said Dr. Deepak Raina, Senior Director and Head of Orthopedics, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka (India).
Over the long term, rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to bone erosion and joint deformity.
Dr. Deepak Raina shares five ways to combat the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, especially in winter, including:
Keep your body warm
During winter, it is important to keep your body warm, especially the affected joints. You can use warm coats, gloves, socks, scarves and heating pads to reduce stiffness and pain.
Taking a warm bath is also a great way to relieve pain and relax inflamed joints.
Physical therapy, gentle exercise
Gentle exercises such as yoga, swimming, and cycling can help maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness. Physical therapy can also improve flexibility and strengthen muscles. Applying heat or cold to affected joints can help reduce pain and inflammation.
In more severe cases, you may need a splint to prevent deformities in the limbs.
Healthy diet
Eating a well-balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, flaxseed, or olive oil, can help reduce inflammation and improve arthritis.
Avoid eating too many foods that can cause inflammation, such as foods high in sugar and saturated fat.
Stress Management
Stress can aggravate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or listening to relaxing music can help reduce pain and improve mood during the winter.
Use pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs
If your doctor recommends it, taking pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help relieve pain and inflammation in your joints.
You can also use topical ointments or gels to relieve joint pain.
Even after surgery, supportive medications and exercise are still needed to prevent joint erosion caused by rheumatoid arthritis, notes Dr. Deepak Raina.
Early diagnosis and intervention can help prevent disease progression. By combining these effective ways to control pain and inflammation, people can improve their quality of life and reduce their dependence on medications.
