Living with RA (rheumatoid arthritis) can be painful. Inflammation of the joints can flare up without warning, hampering in normal lifestyle, not to mention suffering from the discomfort. At DM Clinical Research, we are dedicated to conducting rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials focused on treatments that promise to bring new drugs and RA management to the market.
Managing your RA symptoms can mean the difference between a good quality of life and something less. Below are some tips for living with RA that, while these do not cure the disease, may greatly improve the way you feel. Until rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials can be completed and additional treatments come available, managing your symptoms can help you feel better and enjoy life more. Here are five steps you can take to help manage RA:
- One of the most important things you can do for treating RA is to work closely with your doctor and follow the treatment plans he or she prescribes. Discuss with your doctor frequently how the treatment plan is working and, should you notice any problems, such as a reaction to medication, be certain to bring this problem to his or her attention. A change in your RA management plan may be warranted. Also, he or she may be aware of rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials in progress and advise you of new treatment possibilities.
- All of us work under a great deal of stress. If you have RA, stress may aggravate your symptoms. By reducing stress, you may be able to reduce the frequency and intensity of your flare ups. You can utilize any of the many methods of stress reduction, from relaxation techniques, meditation, or exercise to bring down your stress level and improve your overall sense of well-being.
- It is important to maintain an exercise routine which can accomplish several things, all of which may help your RA. First, as noted, exercise can help reduce stress. Second, exercise improves your mobility, keeps joints moving, and burns calories, which can reduce weight. Weight reduction helps your RA by reducing the physical stress on your joints and bones.
- Nutrition is particularly important in helping to manage your RA symptoms. A healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids along with the mineral selenium and fibers can help manage your weight and reduce your RA flare ups.
- Finally, educate yourself by learning as much as possible about RA. Investigate what treatments are under study with rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials and when new treatments might be available. Learn RA’s symptoms, its causes, and how you might reduce your RA discomfort. In this way you’ll be able to understand your doctor’s medical program, maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, and feel better about your condition.
At DM Clinical Research we are dedicated to conducting rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials designed to provide information about the effectiveness of new RA treatments. If you believe you are a candidate for participating in an RA clinical trial or any of our medical research trials, please give our staff a call and discuss the opportunities to participate. Our professional staff of doctors and nurses will explain the requirements for participation. Call us today in Houston at 281-517-0550. We look forward to speaking with you.