| Rheumatoid arthritis is not just a minor discomfort; this | | | | However, it's important to choose exercises that don't |
| is an actual autoimmune disease that attacks the joints | | | | put any stress on the joints, such as swimming or using |
| and causes chronic and constant inflammation. This | | | | an elliptical machine. Running can sometimes make |
| inflammation can also be found in other areas of the | | | | rheumatoid arthritis even worse as the pounding on the |
| body including vital organs. An autoimmune disease is | | | | feet, ankles, and knees can be very painful. |
| when the bodies own immune system attacks its own | | | | It may be necessary to make some accommodations |
| systems; in rheumatoid arthritis there are antibodies in | | | | for the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and so that the |
| the blood that then target their body's own tissues and | | | | condition is not aggravated. Raised toilet seats are |
| joints. | | | | helpful, as are risers under the bed and firmer chairs |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis is called a collagen disease | | | | and couches. Some find that using wrist and finger |
| because it occurs throughout the body's connective | | | | splints can also cut down on inflammation as well. |
| tissue. The symptoms vary with the stage of the | | | | Getting recommended physical therapy is also |
| disorder. At first, those affected complain of fatigue | | | | important in keeping the symptoms of rheumatoid |
| and feeling sore, achy, and stiff. People may eventually | | | | arthritis at bay. Follow your doctor's advice and keep |
| find themselves unable to move their limbs fully without | | | | yourself active and be sure to do the exercises |
| trouble because of swelling, inflaming and immobilizing | | | | recommended by your physical therapist and you |
| of the joints. | | | | should be able to manage your symptoms while |
| For those who have this disease, it's important to | | | | waiting for a cure. |
| realize that it is progressive but sometimes a patient | | | | Some common vitamins and over the counter |
| can go for extended periods of time without any | | | | products may help with the symptoms of rheumatoid |
| symptoms or attacks. Even though your body may | | | | arthritis diseases such as: |
| not be experiencing the pain of rheumatoid arthritis you | | | | Vitamin C is essential for defending the body against |
| of course still have the disease and need to pay | | | | pollution and infection. It enhances the immune system. |
| attention to your diet and other lifestyle choices to | | | | Aids in growth and repair of both bone and tissue by |
| keep yourself pain-free as much as possible. | | | | helping the body produce collagen. Vitamin C's |
| It was once thought that there were certain foods that | | | | collagen-producing properties make it a prime |
| caused or prevented rheumatoid arthritis but more | | | | candidate for arthritis treatment. |
| research in this area has proven this notion to be false. | | | | Green Tea Extract contains natural antioxidant |
| Tomatoes do not seem to cause flare-ups and fish | | | | compounds known as polyphenols useful in fighting |
| oils do not seem to lessen the inflammation either. | | | | tumors as well as helping prevent and treat rheumatoid |
| Once you realize the cause of this condition, that it's an | | | | arthritis. |
| actual disease that cannot be controlled and is not a | | | | Rutin acts synergistically with Vitamin C to help |
| condition brought on by diet, you can then treat it | | | | maintain a healthy immune system. |
| properly. Many have found that addressing the | | | | Glucosamine Plus provides cartilage nutrition for |
| inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis is best. Taking | | | | healthy joints and is an anit-inflammatory. |
| acetaminophen such as Tylenol helps most patients. | | | | Chondroitin Complex works together with Glucosamine |
| Some tetracycline drugs also seem to have the same | | | | to block the action of cartilage-damaging enzymes and |
| effect. | | | | promotes the healthy flow of water and nutrients into |
| Addressing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is | | | | cartilage-producing cells. |
| also important over and above any medication you | | | | M.S.M maintains the development of the body's protein |
| may take. Many have found that humidifier in their living | | | | by forming flexible disulfide bonds between certain |
| and working space is important, as this added moisture | | | | amino acids and in maintaining the strength of |
| keeps the joints fluid and healthy. Proper and regular | | | | connective tissue. |
| exercise is also important as this too keeps the body | | | | Always consult your doctor before using this |
| flexible and increases circulation around the joints. | | | | information. |