Rheumatoid arthritis is a dangerous, painful and extremely frustrating form of arthritis. This autoimmune inflammatory disease attacks joints and internal organs alike, effectively causing problems in every activity one may want to do. The fact that rheumatoid arthritis always attacks both sides of the body at the same time, affecting the same joints on both sides only adds to the discomfort.

The bad thing is that rheumatoid arthritis is for now incurable. It doesn't mean however, that those who suffer from it can't do anything to improve the quality of their lives. First, there are some prescription-only medications that can reduce the visible symptoms and pain, making one's life much easier. Then, there are also some other ways to improve the quality of life. Sometimes even the smallest changes in one's lifestyle may make the difference.

One thing that most people forgot about is to do exercises. Everything that will keep your joints moving will slow down the disease and improve your ability to move. Generally, most cardiovascular exercises are ok. However, you should still ask your doctor about it, especially if your condition is not perfect or if your internal organs are already affected. He should be able to give you a list of most beneficial articles as well as a list of those that you shouldn't do.

Pain, especially at night, and sleeplessness that may accompany it, are two most dangerous direct effects of rheumatoid arthritis. If one does nothing about it, the pain will cause severe stress and lower the natural resistance of the body, making it more prone to other diseases, as well as increase the pace of arthritis progress. That's why it is imperative to get rid of the pain and ensure that one can sleep undisturbed. As arthritis persists, sleeping pills have to be taken under the strict control of the doctor and painkillers should be avoided whenever possible. Heat and cold will have also a strong calming effect on the joint's pain with no dangerous long-term side effects painkillers have.

There's also another thing one can do. The information is new, but has already been confirmed by a team of Australian scientists. Increasing the amount of fatty fish or fish oil in the diet reduces the problems with morning muscle stiffness and reduces the pain. The most important is the Omega-3 fatty acid that can be found in tuna, salmon and herring as well as in food supplements such as Omega Daily.