Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Regarded as an autoimmune disorder, it occurs when the immune system attacks the body’s healthy tissues.
If you have recently received a diagnosis for the health issue, you might worry about what the future has in store for you and the various ways you can manage the condition. The more you understand rheumatoid arthritis, the easier it will be to manage its symptoms. Here is what to do after a diagnosis.
Talk to a Doctor
The first step you must take is to talk to your doctor to understand the basics of rheumatoid arthritis. They will be more than happy to provide information regarding the debilitating health condition, which is often caused by:
- Genes – evidence suggests rheumatoid arthritis may run in families
- Hormones – rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women, which suggests a link to the estrogen hormone
- Lifestyle choices – smokers will have an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis
In addition to improving your understanding of rheumatoid arthritis, a doctor can provide information on reliable resources, online self-management classes, and community groups.
Follow a Treatment Plan
Following a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, a doctor will devise a treatment plan to help you manage the condition, which may include one or more of the below options:
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
As a doctor will have extensive experience in treating rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to follow their treatment plan to the letter to improve your quality of life.
Learn About the Potential CBD Benefits
Early research has found cannabidiol (CBD) may ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Additional studies are required to understand the true health benefits of CBD, but many scientists believe it can reduce pain and inflammation in the body. For this reason, you should learn as much as possible about CBD to understand its benefits and find a dependable store that sells quality CBD e-liquids, edibles, oils, and topicals, such as simplycbdwales.com. The right CBD product could make living with rheumatoid arthritis much more bearable.
Manage Flare-ups
Throughout your life, there will be times when your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms will become worse, which is known as a flare-up. Unfortunately, it is hard to predict a flare-up, but it may strike after an infection or during stressful times.
If you experience a flare-up, find ways to manage your pain and discomfort. For example, it may help to place a heated product on the affected joint, such as a hot water bottle or electric heat pad. Also, take your prescription medication on schedule each day, perform gentle exercises recommended by a doctor, or place cold items on a joint, such as ice cubes or a damp towel that has been stored in the fridge.
If you struggle with regular flare-ups, book another appointment with your doctor to discuss adjusting your treatment plan. Also, inform your loved ones of your growing pain and discomfort so that you can receive more help and support.
