Best Rheumatoid Arthritis Forums
The best place to get advice and support from other rheumatologists. You will find many rheumatology experts here. They are willing to share their expertise with you.
You can ask questions or give feedback on your medical condition, treatment options, medications, etc. There are also forums where you can ask questions about rheumatoid arthritis. The following is a list of some of the most popular rheumatology forums:
Rheumatism Forum – A great place to learn about rheumatic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis Forum – A great place to learn about all types of joint disorders, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and others.
Autoimmune Diseases Forum – A great place to learn about autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, scleroderma, and others.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group – A group of people living with rheumatoid arthritis. You can ask questions about rheumatoid arthritis or share your own experiences.
The Arthritic Message Board – A forum for people living with all types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis Forum – A great place to learn about one of the most common joint disorders and treatments available. You can also learn about other types of arthritis, such as gout.
There are many other forums where you can learn more about rheumatoid arthritis and other types of arthritis. You can also share your own experiences with others who have similar medical conditions. There are forums in other languages as well.
Be sure to exercise caution when participating in these forums. Do not give out any personal information, such as your name, address, or telephone number to other forum members. If you are taking any medications, be sure to consult with your prescribing physician before making any changes to your medication schedule.
Just like in any community, there are many people who mean well and try to be helpful, but there are others who have their own agenda, such as signature seekers, advertisers, and people with unusual beliefs. If you do not feel comfortable in a particular forum, you can always find another one that better suits your interests.
These forums can provide the support and information you need to live a longer, happier life. Do not keep all of this information to yourself. Share it with your family and friends so that they can benefit from it as well.
The Arthritis Foundation is a great place to find out more information on arthritis in general.
Rheumatoid arthritis a common type of inflammatory arthritis, which affects small joints of hands and feet. It mainly attacks the young people and its effects become more pronounced as the patient grows older.
Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. Rheumatism means inflammation of the joints and other areas, such as muscles, skin and mucous membranes.
A rheumatoid factor is an antibody made by the blood to attack and destroy joint tissues. This is present in rheumatoid arthritis, but not in osteoarthritis or gout.
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but symptoms can be controlled by medication and self-care.
Including diet, exercise, and stress management techniques to your lifestyle.
Call Your Doctor
If your symptoms don’t improve within one month or if they become worse, contact your doctor.
If you have other medical problems, such as heart disease, check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Other Types of Arthritis
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common types are: Osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is a “wear and tear” disease that usually affects people over the age of 40. It occurs when protective cartilage around joints wastes away, causing bony outgrowths to form causing you to become more susceptible to pain and limping.
Gout is a type of arthritis that usually attacks at night causing intense pain, redness and tenderness in the big toe. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid that crystallize and cause joint inflammation. Overeating or eating high purine foods can bring on an attack.
Gout can also run in families.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes a chronic, persistent inflammation of the joints. This inflammation attacks the lining tissues that protect your body and your internal organs. It can also affect your skin, eyes, and blood vessels.
As a rule, women suffer from this type of arthritis more than men.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects people of all ages, races, and ethnic groups. It can occur at any age, but most often starts between the ages of 30 to 60.
As a rule, rheumatoid arthritis is more common in those who have a family history of this autoimmune disease or a personal history of other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) or polymyositis.
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but your genes, your immune system, and environmental factors all play a part in its onset. Normally, your immune system protects you from foreign invaders such as viruses. In rheumatoid arthritis, however, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy body tissue by mistake.
The disease is chronic (it lasts a long time), but it can be controlled with proper treatment and self-care.
Rheumatoid arthritis has been classified by five different types:
1. A chronic inflammation of the membrane that lines the joints; it may also affect other organs.
2. A condition where there is enlargement of the lymph nodes.
3. A condition where the joints become enlarged, stiff and painful; it normally affects small joints of the hands and feet.
4. An inflammation of the membrane that lines the heart; it can cause chest pain or shortness of breath.
5. A condition that affects the nerves and causes pain, numbness, or even paralysis.
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, there are many things you can do to manage your condition. Start by following your doctor’s treatment plan and taking the medications as directed.
Besides over-the-counter pain relievers, your doctor may prescribe medications to help reduce pain and inflammation and to prevent remission. These medications may come in the form of shots, pills or infusions. In severe cases, surgery may be an option.
You can also try alternative treatments such as lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements and acupuncture. In addition, engaging in physical activity that is appropriate for your condition may ease pain and improve your overall well-being.
In the past, rheumatoid arthritis was a dreaded disease with a poor prognosis. Today, however, most people can lead full and productive lives, thanks to better treatments and self-management techniques.
Self-care is extremely important for people with rheumatoid arthritis. There are several things you can do to help manage your condition, such as:
* Maintaining a healthy weight.
* Doing aerobic exercise regularly.
* Following a healthy, balanced diet.
* Managing stress.
* Getting sufficient rest.
* If you smoke, quitting.
See your doctor on a regular basis and get proper treatment for your condition. Arthritis treatments work best when the disease is diagnosed early and monitored closely.
Keeping all your joints as mobile as possible is very important. This can be achieved by regularly stretching and moving your body.
Along with these self-care steps, you should also consider using assistive devices such as canes, walkers, crutches or hand-held poles to help support your body when necessary.
The most important thing for people with rheumatoid arthritis is to stay active. This may mean making lifestyle changes and finding new activities you can do.
While there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, many people live healthy, full lives. With adequate medical treatment, self-care and a positive attitude, you too can successfully manage your condition and lead a fulfilling life.
Arthritis affects more than 50 million adults in the U.S. alone, but that doesn’t have to be you.
By taking the time to educate yourself on your condition, you can take steps to better manage and potentially cure your arthritis.
With the right treatment plan and self-care techniques, most people with arthritis can live long, healthy and happy lives.
Good luck!
To assist you with your condition, please see the recommended reading list on the last page.
Self-Care for Arthritis Pain Relief
Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that feature pain and inflammation in the joints.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form and occurs as a result of wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that attacks the lining of the joints and causes swelling and pain. In this article, we will focus on self-care techniques for OA.
For OA, treatment options focus on relieving pain and slowing any further damage to the joint. Your physician may prescribe medication, lifestyle changes or physical therapy.
As a self-care technique, regular exercise can help to reduce pain and improve flexibility. However, this must be done carefully to avoid causing any damage or adding additional stress to the joints. As such, it is best to consult with a physician or physical therapist before starting an exercise routine.
In some cases, your physician may suggest using a cane as a temporary measure to relieve pressure off the painful joints. This cane, available at a drugstore or medical supply store, is designed to free up the weight bearing burden of walking.
This can be especially helpful for people who have arthritis in the knee.
In other cases, your physician may suggest using a walking cane to maintain your mobility and independence. A good walking cane can provide support while you are on your feet. It can also lessen the pain and stress on your joints when you walk, offering relief from joint pain and stiffness.
Go to your drugstore or medical supply store to find the right walking cane for you.
Walking Sticks are available in many variations and price ranges. Be sure to speak with a physician or physical therapist to determine what kind will be best for your needs.
In addition to over-the-counter pain relievers, there are also a number of herbs that have been found to be beneficial for treating arthritic pain. These include:
Boswellia is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. It has been found to be as effective as the drug diclofenac, but without the risk of side effects.
Dandelion is another common weed that can help with inflammation. You can make a tea with the leaves or buy it in supplement form.
Devil’s Claw helps to relieve pain and improve mobility in people with arthritis.
Slippery Elm is dried herb that soothes and coats the digestive tract. You can find it in capsule or powder form at your local drugstore or health food store.
Some people swear by the benefits of ginger for arthritis, either as a supplement or as fresh ginger root.
Boswelic (also known as Indian Frankinsence), curcumin (a compound in turmeric), and nattokinase and quercetin (two bioflavonoids) have also been found to be effective in relieving the pain of arthritis.
Arthritis can be a very debilitating condition that affects your quality of life on a daily basis. By using these self-care techniques, you can help to reduce pain and improve your ability to move more freely.
Exercise and a healthy diet can also do wonders in helping to alleviate pain and stiffness.
Taking proper care of your body now can help to keep you active and independent for years to come.
More Tips on Managing Arthritis Pain
If you are experiencing pain associated with arthritis, make an appointment with your physician. He or she will be able to give you more advice on how to manage your condition.
In addition, there are a number of over-the-counter remedies that can offer temporary relief from the pain of arthritis. As always, be sure to read the directions and warning labels before using any medicine or prescribed drug.
Some of the most common products include:
Aspirin and other OTC anti-inflammatory drugs. Other options that may offer more long-lasting relief include:
Capsaicin prescription patch.
Opioid/Narcotic Pain Killers. These drugs act on the brain to reduce the feeling of pain. They include drugs such as codeine, oxycodone, and morphine.
Tylenol Arthritis Pain Formula. This OTC option combines acetaminophen with diphenhydramine, an antihistamine that helps to reduce pain-causing inflammation.
Ibuprofen. A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), it can help relieve pain and reduce swelling and stiffness.
Naproxen. Like ibuprofen, this NSAID reduces pain and inflammation. It is longer acting than ibuprofen, making it an option for patients who need the relief to last throughout the day.
Be sure to speak with your physician before taking any of the above drugs. Some of these drugs, such as opioids and NSAIDs, can cause severe dehydration, constipation, and other serious side effects. Be sure to take the drugs as directed and watch for any side effects or signs of an allergic reaction.
Capsaicin cream can also help relieve the pain of arthritis, especially in the hands and feet. It is thought to prevent nerve endings from sending pain signals to the brain by blocking them. You can buy the cream over the counter at most drug stores, but read the warnings and instructions on the package before applying it to your skin.
The American College of Rheumatology addresses the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for treating arthritis. The following alternative therapies have shown some promise in treating arthritis, but more research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of these therapies:
Acupuncture has been found to be useful in managing pain from osteoarthritis of the knee.
A dietary regimen that eliminates foods that contain salicylates (including fruits, vegetables, chocolate, coffee, nuts, and juices) has been found to reduce pain and inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Whether homeopathy is effective for reducing the symptoms of arthritis is under investigation.
Herbal therapies such as devil’s claw, feverfew, and turmeric are thought to have anti-inflammatory effects that may be useful in treating arthritis.
There is some evidence that chiropractic therapy can reduce pain and disability for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Massage has been shown to be a safe and effective nonpharmacological intervention for short-term pain relief in patients with both acute and chronic pain due to arthritis.
Soft tissue manipulation (a gentle thrusting movement applied to muscles) has been used to treat patients with chronic arthritis pain in the back or joint region.
Acupressure has been used to treat pain and disability related to rheumatoid arthritis.
Intracorporeal shockwave therapy (ICSWT) has been proposed as a treatment for patients with recalcitrant osteoarthritis.
All of these alternative therapies should only be administered under the supervision of a licensed health professional. Check with your doctor before trying any of these or other CAM therapies since some may interact with the medications you take or have other dangers.
Arthritis is a general term used to describe more than 100 different diseases that cause joints to become inflamed and cause pain, swelling, heat, and limited movement. Arthritis can occur anywhere in the body, but typical arthritis typically effects the spine, knees, and hips. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which mostly affects people over age 40.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of joints.
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two main types of arthritis.
Many people get achy joints from time to time—a common symptom as you age. A doctor can help you determine if the cause is osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, which require different treatment. People with rheumatoid arthritis need to manage the disease throughout their lives, while osteoarthritis typically worsens over time and can eventually lead to joint replacement surgery.
There are a range of treatments and therapies for arthritic pain, such as over-the-counter and prescription medications (including anti-inflammatories), natural therapies, acupuncture, or joint replacements.
Some of the side effects of medications can include dizziness, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, trouble sleeping and weight gain.
Natural therapies can include exercise, weight control, healthy diet, stress reduction and supplements.
If you are thinking about having surgery for your arthritic condition, make sure to carefully consider all of your treatment options.
Postponing surgery can be helpful in some people since some scientific evidence suggests that joint replacement surgery does not improve arthritis pain or function and may actually worsen arthritis pain and increase the chance of needing additional surgery in the future. However, surgery can improve your quality of life by decreasing pain and improving joint mobility.
Sources & references used in this article:
… /Thritis”, Pregnancy, and Parenting: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Reddit Forums to Explore Information Needs and Concerns of Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis by C Chew, N Rebić, C Baldwin, N Amiri… – ACR open …, 2019 – Wiley Online Library
Apps for people with rheumatoid arthritis to monitor their disease activity: a review of apps for best practice and quality by R Grainger, H Townsley, B White… – JMIR mHealth and …, 2017 – mhealth.jmir.org
UnderGround Forums Best Natural Anti Inflammatory Supplements? by J Challem – mixedmartialarts.com
