Monitor your symptoms.
Keep a diary where you record daily details about your diet, physical activity, stress levels, weather conditions and more. The more data you have, the more accurately you can pinpoint the causes of exacerbation. Once you identify the causes specific to your case, you can take steps to avoid the unpleasant symptoms associated with the disease.
Take your medication on schedule.
Adhering to a regular medication (for example Muvera, Reactin SR, Mobicam-DT) schedule helps maintain a consistent level of necessary substances in your body and reduces the inflammatory process. Do not skip taking medications or change their doses without consulting your rheumatologist. Use an alarm to ensure you follow your medication schedule precisely. If you notice the first signs of an exacerbation, contact your doctor immediately. Improper treatment can often lead to joint damage and affect multiple organs.
Try to avoid stressful situations.
Stress can trigger the production of hormones that may cause an exacerbation of the disease. Of course, it’s impossible to completely avoid stress, but you can learn how to manage your emotions by taking care of yourself during stressful situations. When you find yourself in a stressful situation, try to follow these rules:
Stay physically active.
Exercises improve mood, reduce stress and aid better sleep. Choose activities that do not overly strain your joints, such as brisk walking, swimming or yoga.
Make sure to rest and relax fully.
Excessive information exchange on social media, rather than peaceful rest, poses a threat to our brain and overall health. Constant stress prevents physical relaxation. The body needs a period of recovery and rest to later be physically active and responded effectively to stressful situations.
Visit a psychotherapist.
If you find it difficult to manage your emotions, working with a psychotherapist may be beneficial. Studies show that cognitive-behavioral therapy has positive outcomes for people with rheumatoid arthritis. This therapeutic approach helps manage stress, anxiety and sleep problems.
Get enough sleep.
During sleep, your muscles recover and your brain produces chemicals that help alleviate pain. A warm bath or shower before bed can relax your joints and muscles and improve your sleep. If you have trouble with sleep, consult your doctor.
Control your pace of life.
Be cautious, as overexertion can lead to fatigue and exacerbate your condition. Even on days when you feel well, perform tasks at a comfortable pace and take regular breaks, even if you do not feel tired.
Protect your body from infections.
All infectious diseases can cause inflammation in the joints. To reduce the likelihood of exposure to sick individuals, try to avoid crowded places, as some people may be contagious even before showing obvious symptoms. This is especially important during the flu season, from November to February, when there is a seasonal increase in flu cases. Also, remember that vaccination is the best protection against influenza, provided you have no contraindications.