The most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are joint swelling, joint pain, and joint stiffness. Many people have difficulty with motor skills such as walking or trying to get the lid off of a bottle or jar. Low energy levels and decreased appetite are also rheumatoid arthritis symptoms but these are not as common. People who have rheumatoid arthritis will usually experience symptoms on both sides of the body at the same time, such as both knees, or both hands.

Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, you can treat the symptoms. It is important for those who are experiencing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms to seek medical advice and follow that advice daily. The disease is chronic and progressive and the lack of proper medical care can lead to severe damage to the joints.

Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

The primary goal of managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms is to reduce the inflammation and relieve the pain. Reducing the inflammation will help to slow the progression of joint damage. It will also help reduce the pain which allows the patient to increase their mobility.

There is no dried in the wool treatment that will help everybody who is experiencing symptoms. Each patient should be evaluated individually by a physician who can help formulate a plan of treatment which is best for them. Many people will have to take medication which is designed to reduce inflammation. Since rheumatoid arthritis attacks the body's immune system, careful monitoring of theses medications is recommended.

Your doctor may want you to see other professionals to help in formulating a plan of treatment. A doctor who specializes in treating arthritis may be necessary in order to determine the best approach to take. You may have to look at a change in your diet since some foods tend to make rheumatoid arthritis symptoms worse. Keeping a daily chart of all the foods you eat along with the times when you have pain may help determine which foods you need to avoid.

Rest and exercise are also necessary to control rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Affected joints need rest in order to prevent overuse which can cause more inflammation. Moderate exercise can help strengthen the muscles. Since care needs to be taken to protect the affected joints, you should get professional help to determine how much and what type exercise you need.

It may be necessary to visit a physical therapist to get help with keeping the joints flexible. It is easier to maintain mobility if you do not allow it to get to bad. Daily exercises to help with range of motion and flexibility are important but should be done correctly. A physical therapist can show you the correct way to keep your mobility at its best.