JRA.... Journal of a Radical Arthritis Chick

Here I give advice, speak of my experiences and give information to those who want to better understand Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am NOT a medical professional, and you should always seek advice from a doctor.

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Location: MA, United States

Hello everyone! I am 28 years old and was diagnosed with JRA (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) when I was just 3 years old. I've had my battles with this disease over the years, and have decided to create a blog. I want to share my stories and adivce with other RA chicks, or anyone interested, to raise awareness and get insight from others. Feel free to comment/question me about anything. Thanks, and I hope you enjoy!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Soothing Comforts for Painful Joints

Let's face it pain and RA, go hand in hand.  The best thing we look to find is some comfort for our painful and achy joints.  Yes we have medications, but what about the days we wake up to a bad flare?  Sometimes at-home therapy can help make a painful day, into something a little more tolerable.  After doing some research, and some therapies my self, here are some tips to maybe help us with those "yucky" days.  *Note: These tips are NOT for replacing any medications, or a cure by any means, but to possibly help with some relief.




1.  A nice hot bath!!! This is a personal favorite of mine.  Not only is a hot bath soothing on our joints, but the relaxation can help strip away some of that stress you've been experiencing.  Take a bubble bath, light some candles and put on some soothing music.  Your joints will love the warmth, and your body will love the stress going away!  They also make spa attachments for your tub, you can attach an item to the side of the tub and turn your bath into a hot tub! The jets actions on the joints help.  Unfortunately, these can be pricey, the cheapest one I found is $55 on Amazon.  If you can afford it, I'd look into it.  Check it out here: Amazon.com




2.  Hot/Cold Compresses.  Depending on how you feel, or who you are, compresses can help.  Hot or cold, doesn't matter, it really depends on the person.  Personally I love heat, but I know of others who swear by cold.  Icy Hot makes great items such as compresses, gels, etc.  You can buy most of their items at stores like Walmart, or Target, but here is their website to check out their items. Icy Hot





3. Biofreeze.  This is something I have yet to try personally, but everyone who has tried it, swears by it!  Especially creator Niki, from RA Chicks, she is one who always uses it and raves how well it is.  It's available online in different sizes.  The best place you can find it is Amazon.com 


4. Acupuncture -- is the procedure of inserting and manipulating needles into various points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes. (Wikipedia)  I've personally tried this before, and found it to be a great relief.  It helps with pain for a little while, and also helps with calming down the stress in our bodies. 




There are many herbs and foods that claim to help with inflammation, personally I've tried some, and don't find any relief at all.  These four will help a bit on the days we need just that extra something.  Sometimes for me, even just keeping my joints moving, even if going for a walk, helps so I don't get stiff.  This too can be difficult if our joints in the knees/hips/ankles are so bad, we can't walk.  I hope some of you find some relief or are on medications that help you feel great and lead as normal lives as possible. 

2 Comments:

Blogger Amanda said...

This is my first post of yours I'm reading. I'm also 25, however, my RA diagnosis came this year. Chronic pain diagnosis' started piling in at 14. I have to say I've spent YEARS LOOKING FOR THE TUB ATTACHMENT FOR THE JETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ALREADY I'M SO EXCITED ; ) LOL. Now to your next post! 22 yrs, don't know how you've made it, this year has been so TRYING on both ME AND MY FAMILY. Bless you!

December 15, 2010 at 12:53 AM  
Blogger Mallory said...

Thanks hun! I'm glad I was able to find that tub attachment also!! I used to own one when I was little, it was great! Thanks for reading my blog, I update as often as I can! :) (((hugs)))

December 15, 2010 at 10:53 AM  

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