SHARES
When you open your eyes upon waking, ever experience morning stiffness?
Morning stiffness is often taken as the most common and prominent symptom of RA, especially if it lasts for at least an hour. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is condition that causes joint pain and damage throughout the body. It happens when abnormal immune response attacks healthy cells in the body. This condition can affect anyone, regardless of age. It was reported that RA affects up to 1 percent of the world’s population and over 1.3 million people in America.
The condition usually starts with minor symptoms that come and go, with classical symptoms like morning stiffness, pain, swelling and limited mobility at the affected area. It also affects both sides of the body, thus distinguishing itself from osteoarthritis. If left untreated, RA can progress into severe joint damage and serious complications in major organs. Hence, one should seek treatment if suspicious about early symptoms of RA.
Managing Morning Stiffness
Many people with RA or osteoarthritis are familiar with morning stiffness. Sometimes, stiffness can also be felt after prolonged inactivity, such as napping or sitting. Nevertheless, the stiffness usually loosens and subsides with time.
Here are some tips to ease morning sickness:
Take medications ahead of usual waking time: It is recommended to take pain or anti-inflammatory medications an hour before getting out of bed. This allows time for the medication to work. Place these items on the nightstand the night before: pain medication, a glass of water and light snacks. Then, set the alarm to one hour before usual waking time. When alarm goes off the next morning, take the medication with light snack and a full glass of water. Reset your alarm and sleep tight until it is time to wake up.
Stretch in bed: Warm up muscles and loosen joints with simple stretches. Move joints gently, starting from turning the head from side to side to loosen the neck. After that, loosen joints of the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders, first on one side and then the other. Do the same for joints in the lower body, including toes, ankles, knees and hips. When the joints feel less stiff, you are ready to get up.
Warm the joints: Taking warm bath or shower can relief stiffness. Heat encourages blood to move to the surface of the skin, thus flushing and warming the joints. When using the bath, soak in warm water for 10 to 20 minutes, while gently exercising and massaging the joints; meanwhile, those with handheld shower head can massage the joint by directly spraying the affected joint. Take your time to warm up those joints.
Be kind to yourself: Busy mornings with stiff and painful joints can be frustrating. Nevertheless, relax, breathe and take it slow. Don’t let your condition ruin your day. Remember that family or friends are always ready to help. Remind yourself that you are not alone in this battle.
Conclusion
RA is a debilitating condition that can make mornings dreadful for some. However, pain management with medications, stretching exercises and heat can be useful in waking up those sleepy muscles and stiff joints.
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by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
