Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may be facing new challenges, but you can live a full life and do many of the things you enjoy. You just have to take steps to manage your condition properly. LA Pain Doctor supports patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA who are living with RA.
Request an AppointmentUnderstanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints. This causes inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness, often in the hands, wrists, and feet, and usually on both sides of the body. RA can also cause fatigue and affect other organs. Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis of the foot and ankle.
Tips for Living Well With RA
- Follow your treatment plan: Work closely with your rheumatologist and take medications as prescribed to control inflammation.
- Stay active: Gentle range-of-motion exercises, walking, swimming, and stretching help maintain flexibility and strength. See our guide to exercising with chronic pain.
- Balance rest and activity: Plan rest breaks, especially during flares.
- Protect your joints: Use splints, assistive devices, and supportive footwear to reduce strain.
- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Manage stress: Stress can trigger flares, so make time for relaxation and support.
- Quit smoking: Smoking can worsen RA symptoms and reduce treatment effectiveness.
How a Pain Management Specialist Can Help
While your rheumatologist treats the underlying disease, our providers focus on relieving joint pain and helping you stay active. Targeted joint injections can calm inflammation in specific painful joints, such as the shoulders, hands, knees, or ankles. We also offer careful pain medication management and help address related conditions such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is more common in people with RA.
Explore more resources on living with chronic pain and living with osteoarthritis, or learn about Joint Pain.
Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis FAQs
How is rheumatoid arthritis different from osteoarthritis?
RA is an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation, while osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on cartilage.
Can I exercise with RA?
Yes. Gentle, regular exercise helps maintain joint flexibility and strength. Rest during flares.
What triggers RA flares?
Stress, illness, overexertion, and missed medications can trigger flares.
Can joint injections help RA pain?
Yes. Injections can reduce inflammation in specific painful joints alongside your rheumatologist’s treatment.
Does diet affect rheumatoid arthritis?
A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet may help some people feel better and supports overall health.
Do you work with my rheumatologist?
Yes. We coordinate care so pain management fits with your overall RA treatment.
Where can I get help managing RA pain?
Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule a visit at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Live More Fully With RA
Let our team help you manage rheumatoid arthritis pain. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.