RA Support Center

6 Tips to Help Manage RA

1. Prepare for Doctor Appointments
   Tell your rheumatologist everything that relates to how you've been feeling and how that's been affecting your life. Come to your appointments prepared with a prioritized list of talking points—and take notes. The more open you are and the more you discuss, the more informed your treatment decisions will be. Enroll in RISE to learn more about working with your doctor to manage your rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
2. Track Your Symptoms
   Keeping a journal of your RA can help you:
   • Recall how you've been feeling and what lifestyle impact the disease has had since your last appointment
   • Provide your rheumatologist a more detailed and accurate description of your symptoms and response to treatment
   • Evaluate how well your current treatment is working
3. Stay Active
   Though it's no substitute for treatment, regular exercise can benefit how you live with RA. The key is to start slowly, progress at a comfortable pace and keep a journal to track how you're doing. Once you develop a routine, the results should be well worth your effort. Please consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
4. Eat Well
   Diet alone can't provide relief from RA, but what you eat is still important to your health. The Arthritis Foundation recommends a diet low in saturated fats and calories, and rich in fruits, vegetables and grains. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
5. Manage Stress
   Though there's no substitute for finding the right treatment, there are some other ways to manage your pain and stress. For instance:
   • Get a better night's sleep
   • Find an exercise or fitness program that works for you
   • Balance your day with periods of rest
   • Maintain intimacy with your partner
   • Apply heat or cold to reduce inflammation
   • Practice relaxation techniques
   • Wear shoes that fit
   • Have a back-up plan for work and social obligations
6. Reach Out to Friends and Family
   The key is to be as open as possible. Tell your family and friends how you feel and what your needs are, and ask them to do the same. We all like to feel independent, but everyone needs help from time to time. Don't be afraid to ask for some, and return the favor when you're feeling better.

Your Time to RISE™

To learn more practical strategies to help manage RA, enroll in RISE, an RA education program.