About This Column
Here you'll find advice on how to take a more comprehensive approach toward managing your rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Keep in mind, this column is intended to advise you on how to complement your treatment, not replace it. Please consult your doctor to determine what advice may be right for you.
Featured Article
Joint Care for RA: Part 1
Feb 20, 2008
RA or not, joint care is essential to minimizing the potential pain and damage that can eventually develop from everyday wear and tear. To avoid putting unnecessary stress on your joints, here are some tips that can help:
Move each joint through its full pain-free range of motion once each day
Listen to your body. In other words, understand and respect your limits with RA
Be particularly careful with your hands, no matter how you use them. Try to avoid:
Positions that push your other fingers towards your pinky
Making a tight fist
Pinching items between your thumb and the rest of your fingers
Maintain good posture at all times, particularly while:
Sitting
Working on the keyboard
Standing
Getting up and down
Picking up items from the floor
Carrying heavy objects (carry them close to your chest, supporting the weight with your forearms)
Use the strongest joint available for the job
Avoid keeping your joints in the same position for a prolonged period of time
Balance periods of activity with rest
Don't try to make all of these changes at once. If you gradually incorporate a few each day, you'll have a better chance of sticking to them. Be aware of how you perform everyday tasks and try to incorporate these principles. They can put less stress on your joints and help prevent pain and damage.
Look forward to future articles about joint care with tips on daily activities and exercises.
Managing Pain and Stress
