People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) report that the symptoms caused by this condition get worse in the morning than at any other time of the day. You can experience severe pain and stiffness in the joints just after you wake up. It can take almost an hour or more for your rheumatology symptoms to ease up.
Why The Severity of Your RA Symptoms Increase In The Morning?
Your body will release certain anti-inflammatory chemicals during the night to calm the pain and stiffness in the joints. But by morning, they won’t be able to fight various chemicals that lead to inflammation. Hence, you might wake up with painful and stiff joints in the morning.
How To Alleviate The Morning Pain And Stiffness?
You might be able to control the acute pain caused by RA with the help of proper rheumatic pain treatment. But if you do not prefer to take pain medications, then there are some natural tricks that you can try to alleviate the pain and swelling resulting from RA.
Get Moving
This is one of the easiest and effective things you can do to alleviate the severe pain and stiffness present in the joints. When you move the affected joints, it can increase the blood flow to them thereby lubricating the joint surfaces. Try bending and straightening your knees. Rock your hips from side to side to loosen them.
You have to be careful if you are currently experiencing an active flare. If you put over stress on your joints during this time, then it can lead to their damage thereby making your condition worse.
Hence, people experiencing a flare should do gentle stretches and other activities to ease up the pain and stiffness. You can seek the help of a therapist to find out the right exercise plans for you based on your health condition.
Apply Heat Or Cold
Ice packs might be helpful for you to reduce the pain and stiffness in the joints so that you can start your day in a better way. Applying heat can also loosen up your muscle and joints thereby improving your rheumatology symptoms.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids can aid to keep your joints lubricated which can reduce the stiffness in the joints. So start sipping water as soon as you wake up.
Additionally following a healthy lifestyle, getting enough sleep, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining healthy body weight, etc. can also help to effectively manage your RA symptoms. But if you experience severe pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints even after trying these remedies, you can ask your doctor to prescribe medications.
