Ten Common Mistakes Arthritis Sufferers Make

What are some common mistakes of sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis? What are things they should avoid or should make a priority? What precautions should they take to avoid rheumatoid arthritis pain?

People who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis must recognize that they need more sleep than they did before. A common mistake is to push too hard and not allow for enough time to rest. It is a mistake to allow too much stress in life since stress negatively affects rheumatoid arthritis.

While people with rheumatoid arthritis feel more tired or fatigued they forget the value of aerobic exercise. Exercise actually increases energy levels and improves over-all health which will help with the rheumatoid arthritis. Another mistake is to begin an activity too soon after a flare-up or a treatment-especially an injection into a joint. Exercise is great, but exercise smartly.

Another health-related mistake is to think that because they are seeing a rheumatologist regularly they don't need to continue to monitor other health needs. They should avoid the mistake of missing regular or annual checkups such as breast exams, prostrate exams, and routine physicals.

Another mistake to avoid is forgetting to take a multivitamin. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis suppress the immune system so it is important to be sure to get plenty of nutrition to help the body stay healthy. It is important to build a routine or system to remember to take, not only vitamins, but also medications since many are not daily doses.

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis are unaware of recent research that shows a correlation between smoking and the early onset or severity levels of rheumatoid arthritis. Smokers who develop rheumatoid arthritis should stop immediately. Smokers at risk for rheumatoid arthritis should stop before it develops.

Patients who are unsure of their doctor's diagnosis or who feel their questions are not adequately answered should always seek a second opinion. Rheumatoid arthritis is a life-long disease and patients should be happy with their care.

Some patients delay or don't start DMARDs (disease-modifiying anti-rheumatic drugs). Many want to avoid the side-effects of these drugs, but the long-term effects without the drugs are worse.

These are ten common mistakes of people with rheumatoid arthritis. Precautions should be taken to avoid these mistakes.