Coping with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Exercise and diet play an important role in dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis. According to an article on the May Clinic web site, there is no cure for this condition that attacks joints causing pain and limiting mobility. To lessen the effects of the disease they recommend strengthening the muscles around the joints to help support them. Talking with your physician first about an exercise plan -- what, when, how -- is important. Overdoing can cause pain.

A healthy diet that includes lots of veggies and whole grains and helps you maintain lower weight may aid in reducing pain. The Mayo Clinic says that there isn't any special food or diet that will specifically treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, it is important to note that medical professionals say a gluten-free diet reduces inflammation in the body.

When I was told almost five years ago that the pain I had was from arthritis on the spine caused by inflammation, I tried a gluten-free diet. In six weeks the pain was gone and remain on the diet today. Here are Maine Warmers' Gluten-Free Recipe Blog.

Another recommendation is to use devices that help you reach for things, open jars, and get dressed. Talking with an occupational therapist might give you some insights in how to approach daily tasks that limits the stress on the joints.

Use heat to relax tight muscles and ice to reduce pain or swelling due to arthritis. Or if you have had surgery

Mainely Hand Warmers

you may need to use ice and heat.

Maine Warmers microwave heating pads and gentle ice packs are easy to use, are portable, safe, and washable. Hand Warmers bring soothing comfort to arthritic hands. They have inserts that can be removed and frozen to be used as ice packs that are soft and gentle -- no harshness of frozen cubes or gel packs that do not conform well to the body. A Cozy Sheep is a perfect gift for someone with arthritis.