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Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Journey to Empowered Living


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What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?


Rheumatoid Arthritis, also known as RA, is an inflammatory condition which can damage the eyes, lungs, heart, and particularly, the body’s joints. It’s a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system attacks the body by mistake.


It can cause inflammation in the joint linings, which can later lead to bone erosion or even a deforming joint. While in early development, the disorder tends to target the joints connecting each finger, later moving on to the wrists, ankles, and other additional joints.


Some common symptoms of the condition include:


  • Swollen or inflamed joints

  • Stiffness in the joints, particularly in the morning or with lack of exercise

  • Fatigue

  • Lacking an appetite

  • Fever symptoms


There are also additional factors that may determine if you are at risk of developing RA. Women are known to develop the disease more frequently, a family history of RA can also produce an increased risk of developing the condition, alongside smoking and being overweight.


Luckily, RA is a disorder that can be treated quite effectively. While incurable for now, an important objective to keep in mind is to reduce the swelling as much as possible.


Rheumatoid arthritis shouldn’t be a condition that controls your life and its quality. By consulting with a healthcare professional, together with the support of family, life with RA can be overcome for a healthier future.





Arthritis Success Stories


From time to time, we all need some source of encouragement to face our challenges and the ones to come in the future. Reading or watching about the countless success stories coming from such amazing individuals feels assuring to know you are NOT alone! More can be discovered below!








How Can RA Be Managed?


Adapting to the evident challenges which RA presents to an individual may be a significant challenge or hurdle. However, with the help of the following tips provided, you can begin to manage and establish changes that can make a lasting positive impact TODAY!


  1. Follow medications routinely - In order to effectively treat RA and create an environment of comfort, you must be able to take medications as directed. Try to be consistent with doses every day. 


If any side effects or additional symptoms begin to develop by taking the prescribed   medicine, please contact and discuss the issue with a medical professional, most preferably a rheumatologist. 


  1. Frequent Exercise - The troubles that come with stiffness or pain in the joints is the lack of wanting to move around. But remaining active is one of the best methods to ease pain for the long-term.


3 impactful exercise types are:


Stretches - Increases circulation and prepares the individual for every other type of physical activity.


Aerobics - These can include walking, cycling, or even swimming. These exercises are great for strengthening the heart without putting much strain on the joints. It is also recommended to exercise with dumbbells or weights in the lighter ranges.


Muscle Growth & Balance - Besides Aerobics, using resistance bands to strengthen the leg and arm muscles, or taking yoga to increase flexibility and easing joint pain are all methods of significantly reducing the harmful effects of RA.


  1. Forming a balanced diet - To fight against RA through a dietary perspective, creating a balanced diet that reduces and eliminates inflammation are crucial. Foods such as salmon, tuna, and foods containing omega-3s can reduce stiffness. 


Saturated fats, sugary foods, and meals containing high amounts of cholesterol will inevitably cause swelling and pain. However, mineral and vitamin supplements are advised as alternative treatment methods.


  1. Establishing a healthy weight - Being at a healthy weight with RA will yield the greatest results at recovery and treatment. That is due to our body’s fat cells producing cytokines. The more fat cells an individual contains, more of these molecules get produced, increasing inflammation.


Additionally, built up weight in other parts of the body, especially in the ankles or shoulders where joints reside, excessive pressure is placed on these sections, worsening the pain and swelling of the joints.



Reference: WebMD



Caregiving Tips Related with Rheumatoid Arthritis


Being a caretaker can sometimes be an overwhelming occupation. Having the ability to aid your patient and making a positive impact on their lives creates an overpowering sense of accomplishment and content.


By observing the following caregiving tips, a new environment filled with trust, support, and encouragement can be fulfilled between a caregiver and their patient.


Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help - Whether it’s with the support of their close family or being involved in a support group, individuals who lift your patient up in a positive manner can soothe stress and lead to less joint pain. Support groups reveal like-minded people who share the same experiences and can resolve anxiety.


Assist them with mental health -  Autoimmune diseases can be quite a challenging obstacle and condition to face, regardless with the company and help of another individual. So monitoring and identifying signs of poor mental health is very important. If it is the case, make sure to provide your patient with guidance and support alongside the help of professional help and family.


Seek answers from other professionals - If any new symptoms start to form, or new habits begin to arise from your patient, asking for advice from medical professionals in the field of rheumatology will provide a clearer understanding of any actions to make your patient more comfortable and healthier.


Encourage healthier living habits - Countless patients in the past with a history of RA often find amazing success through making healthier lifestyle choices. Encourage them to consume a diet suitable for recovery, and promote exercise as relief to their RA symptoms.


Preventing other habits such as smoking will greatly decrease the likelihood of swelling/painful joints.



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Where Can You Find Support Today?


Arthritis Line

The Arthritis Society of Canada offers their virtual arthritis helpline called the “Arthritis Line”. They have a team of experienced and trained volunteers that will answer any question regarding arthritis. This could include methods to manage the disease, and where you can locate hundreds of resources for a more concise answer to your questions. 


Arthritis Connections

Besides this one service, they have a multitude of additional options such as the Arthritis connections page, a resource where individuals diagnosed with arthritis can come together virtually to discuss their experiences, lifestyle choices that improved their condition, and overall a welcoming community that is open to everybody affected by arthritis.


Arthritis Talks

Lastly, Arthritis Talks are also another service provided by the Arthritis Society of Canada. This section includes webinars coming from medical professionals like dieticians, doctors, and physicians that provide evidence to back up their breakthroughs in arthritis research. Topics often included in these webinars can range from useful medications, effective exercises,  and dietary recommendations.



The Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is a global resource that aims to aid individuals with arthritis to connect with others and form a network of support. These virtual meetings are often led by peers who also have arthritis, sharing their experiences and offering help.


Luckily, there are hundreds of other online and in-person resources readily available to your disposal. 


If any of the following support functions are not enough to provide adequate help, simply searching for the term “Arthritis Support Groups in (City Name)” will open the door to thousands of communities open to welcoming you!


Remember, you are not alone! There are thousands of individuals who share their experiences with a community which understands that exact struggle. Being able to do so means a group of people who can support you directly, so feel free to reach out for one today!





Resources


Website:


This website offers countless resources in order to provide the best support possible for anyone with arthritis. Besides conducting some of the most impactful research against arthritis throughout Canada and the world, they have an ever-expanding collection of books, articles, and videos aiming to give individuals with arthritis life-changing advice.


This includes dietary exclusions, recommended exercises, and awareness of the condition. 



Telephone Number: 604-207-0400


Toll Free Number: 1-844-207-0400


Fax Number: 604-207-4059



Books (Meal Preparation and Advice):



  • The Rheumatoid Arthritis Cookbook: Anti-Inflammatory Recipes to Fight Flares and Fatigue by Caitlin Samson


  • Mayo Clinic Guide to Arthritis: Managing Joint Pain for an Active Life by Lynne S. Peterson M.D.


  • Your Life with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Tools for Managing Treatment, Side Effects and Pain by Lene Andersen


  • The Rheumatoid Arthritis Roadmap: Navigating an Integrative Approach by Donica Liu Baker



Podcasts:







Reference


Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Get great in-person support from the arthritis community for FREE! Retrieved September 6, 2024, from https://www.arthritis.org/about-live-yes!-connect-group


Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Retrieved September 6, 2024, from https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/rheumatoid-arthritis


Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Live yes! With arthritis podcast. Retrieved September 6, 2024, from https://www.arthritis.org/liveyes/podcast


Arthritis Research Canada. (2024, September 2). Retrieved September 6, 2024, from https://www.arthritisresearch.ca/


Arthritis Society Canada. Retrieved September 6, 2024, from https://arthritis.ca/


Bath Institute for Rheumatic Diseases. (2022, January 14). Rheumatoid arthritis podcasts.


Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment FAQs. Retrieved September 6, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4924-rheumatoid-arthritis


Lissandrello, M. (2023, February 3). Raven Miller’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Story: “I Found My Motivation”. CreakyJoints. Retrieved September 6, 2024, from https://creakyjoints.org/about-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis/ra-patient-perspectives/raven-miller-rheumatoid-arthritis/


NPS MedicineWise. (2021, November 1). Living with rheumatoid arthritis: Suzanne’s story [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai8TV_E2aeQ


Phillips, C. (2022, September 23). Caretakers’ guide for rheumatoid arthritis: 15 tips when supporting an RA patient. Padrheum. Retrieved September 6, 2024, from https://www.paducahrheumatology.com/post/caretakers-guide-for-rheumatoid-arthritis-15-tips-when-supporting-an-ra-patient


Resurgens Orthopaedics. (2017, March 24). Holly's Success Story from Rheumatoid Arthritis [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ceN-oZzj1g


WebMD. (2016, September 29). How to take care of your rheumatoid arthritis. Tips for a better life. Retrieved September 6, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/tips-living-with-ra


WebMD. (n.d.). Tips for RA caregivers. Retrieved September 6, 2024, from https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/ss/slideshow-ra-caregiver-tips


 
 
 

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