Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain (Cont.)

Coping With Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

The long-term goal of pain management is to help you cope with a chronic, often disabling disease. You may be caught in a cycle of pain, depression, and stress. To break out of this cycle, you need to be an active participant with the doctor and other healthcare professionals in managing your pain. This may include physical therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, biofeedback, relaxation techniques (for example, deep breathing and meditation), and family counseling therapy.
 
The following are suggestions of things you can do to manage rheumatoid arthritis pain:
 
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Get 8 to 10 hours of sleep at night
  • Keep a daily diary of pain and mood changes to share with your physician
  • Choose a caring physician
  • Join a support group
  • Stay informed about new research on managing rheumatoid arthritis pain.

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD