Warming Techniques to Relieve RA Pain
Try these tips to relieve pain and ease stiffness. A physical therapist can give you additional ideas.
1.T ake a long and very warm shower first thing in the morning to ease morning stiffness.
2. Soak in a warm bath or whirlpool.
3. Buy a moist heat pad from the drugstore, or make one at home by putting a wet wash cloth in a freezer bag and heating it in the microwave for one minute. Wrap the hot pack in a towel and place it over the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes.
4. To soothe stiff and painful joints in your hands, apply mineral oil to your hands, put on rubber dishwashing gloves, and place your hands in hot tap water for 5 to 10 minutes.
5. Incorporate other warming elements into your daily routines, such as warming your clothes in the dryer before dressing or using an electric blanket and turning it up before getting out of bed.
From Good Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Arthritis Foundation, 2006). Click here to order a copy.
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