Perhaps the most challenging part of RA pain is the frustration that comes along with it. Daily aching can wear on you and can make living your normal life exhausting and the stress caused by mental strain can actually worsen your physical pain! So it is important to keep your mind and mood healthy to manage your pain.

How can you help yourself?

• Exercise
• Do meditation or light yoga
• Keep your brain distracted with hobbies and activities
• Stick to a healthy diet from your doctor
• Share with friends and family

Staying positive and keeping yourself focused on other things will not only keep your mind healthy, it can also help to reduce physical pain.

Work with your doctor, your family, your friends, your community, and your own habits to help yourself beat RA pain.

Is my pain from rheumatoid arthritis,  fibromyalgia, or something else?

Another challenge for many RA warriors is that often they are not just battling RA, but other conditions that cause pain like fibromyalgia. If you are suffering from other conditions, it is important to make sure you are addressing them correctly. Make sure to work with your doctor to find the right medications and track your pain. Also, while pain medicines can be helpful, and in many instances are necessary, there are always risks and side effects with medications. It is good to know some other approaches to pain relief:

• Mediation / Breathing Techniques
• Yoga
• Warm Baths
• Moist Heated Towels