Daily precautions for patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Daily precautions for patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Keep Warm and Dry: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flare-ups are often closely related to temperature and humidity. Patients may experience joint pain on rainy days or when there is a sudden drop in temperature. Therefore, it's important for patients to keep their skin clean and dry, stay in a warm environment, and use warm water for bathing and daily activities.
Maintain a Nutritious and Mild Diet: Patients should choose easily digestible foods and opt for mild and palatable cooking methods. Spicy, greasy, and icy foods should be avoided. Some patients might have osteoporosis, so it's important to consume foods high in calcium, such as seafood, legumes, and dairy products, or take calcium supplements in appropriate amounts. Additionally, it's advisable to incorporate foods rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, iron, copper, zinc, selenium, and other minerals.
Regular Exercise: Patients should avoid prolonged bed rest and intense physical activities. Instead, they can engage in exercises while sitting or lying down. Ankles and leg muscles should be exercised regularly. Patients should be cautious to avoid prolonged finger flexion, taking breaks during activities like typing or knitting to stretch and rest their fingers.
Medication Caution: Patients should strictly follow medical advice when taking medications. Proper timing and dosage are crucial to avoid gastrointestinal risks. Patients should be mindful of adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, liver and kidney function, complete blood count, and urinalysis is necessary. If any adverse reactions occur, immediate medical attention is required.
Joint Protection: RA patients should pay attention to joint protection. During acute periods, warm baths or showers can provide relief, and wearing comfortable and soft shoes is advised. Exposure to cold water should be avoided, especially in winter. Patients should always be aware of seasonal weather changes and adjust clothing accordingly to prevent catching a chill.
Maintain a Positive Attitude: RA patients often experience significant psychological stress due to the disease. Excessive mental burden can hinder recovery and create a vicious cycle detrimental to healing. Therefore, it's important for patients to consciously maintain a positive and optimistic mindset, cooperate with medical treatments, and contribute to a faster recovery.
