Rheumatoid arthritis begins gradually. Usually you have a painful
twinges and stiffness in one or more joints when getting up in the
morning. Gradually other joints are affected. It cannot be cured, but
early treatment will do much to lessen joint damage. In this article I
will list various methods how relief from pain can be obtained.
In the past it was believed that arthritis patients should rest. That
has all changed. Doctors now prescribe running, walking, and aerobic
dance to improve your arthritis, overall physical conditions and mental attitude.
The anti-cancer drug Methotrexate has been used often. This can be very
effective, but nausea, anemia, liver problems and hair loss can be some
of the unpleasant side effects. Doctors at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found a solution for this problem.
Methotrexate causes a deficiency of folic acid, one of the B vitamins. They suggested a daily dose of 400 micrograms of vitamin B.
Studies have also shown that vitamin C has been lacking in rheumatoid arthritis patients. It is suggested that 500 milligrams be taken daily.
Studies have also shown 1 teaspoon per day of Cod-liver oil may help alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Drugs will not cure rheumatoid arthritis, but they do help to reduce
pain and sometimes slow down inflammation. There are several types of
drugs used, but there are special problems with various drugs' that must
be addressed.
As I mentioned earlier, exercise is important. It will keep the joint functioning,
maintain muscle tome, and help to prevent contractures. Heat combined
with exercise is very effective and may be applied by means of paraffin
dips, whirlpool therapy, and hot packs.
One more thing that is stressed is cutting back on oil-containing
products like salad dressing, fried foods, and margarines. High levels
of Omega -B's fatty oils cause inflammation.
I know that because of pain, it's easy to become discouraged and turn to
anything that promises a cure. I urge you to have complete faith and
trust in your doctors. Check with them before you before you spend money
for drugs, vitamins, or any item that is advertised to stop pain. Pay
strict attention to diet, rest, exercise, medication and physical
therapy and you can have rheumatoid arthritis, relief.
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