Along with the pain associated with our joints that are a distinct mark of an RA flare, some also experience muscle cramps. Though not necessarily related to a flare, there is an association with RA.Joint inflammation can cause our muscles to tighten and cramp. Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may be linked to muscle pain and cramping. 1

Blanket weight. Two options contrast one another: 7 Lightweight blankets move with you as you sleep, taking pressure off joints while providing warmth and airflow.; Weighted blankets — though it seems counterintuitive — can bring comfort to some people with arthritis. Also called gravity blankets or pressure blankets, they can help some relax …

After a physical exam, my rheumatologist said that I probably had some sort of infection caused by the immune-suppressing medications used to treat RA. This made sense at the time since the lymph system is part of the immune system and includes liquid-containing white blood cells that attack foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. 2 A chest x-ray to rule out sarcoidosis

I am on antibiotics and a steroid nasal spray. I irrigate my sinuses twice a day. I am all set to have a balloon dilation. Later (sooner, rather than), I hope to get the septum repaired, along with treating the turbinate bones and adding a little support to the cartilage.

Understanding the impact of RA fatigue. RA Fatigue Is Complex, Poorly Understood, and Not Treated Andrew Lumpe, PhD "One important finding in disease-related fatigue research is that it has many complex dimensions including mental, physical, motivation, sensory, mood, social, intensity, duration, quality of life impact, and activity impact. Researchers also believe that fatigue symptoms may be ...

I've lived with joint pain for most of my life and have officially carried the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis for nearly 7 years now. I've explored a lot of different things during my lifetime to manage, survive, and even at times thrive despite the pain — medications, injections, physical therapy, topical creams, braces, infusions, a TENS unit, chiropractic care, targeted ultrasound ...

Costochondritis and rib pain. Costochondritis is a rare condition involving inflammation and pain in the cartilage where your rib meets your breastbone, or sternum. It’s typically on your left side, and gets worse with a deep breath or cough. The below video provides an overview of the condition and explains a couple simple things that are usually recommended with the condition.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have greatly improved treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). People with RA now have more and better treatment options. DMARDs can change the course of the disease. They can slow or prevent damage to joints and related structures. 1,2 Currently ...

B vitamins. Vitamins B6 and B12 are commonly found to be at deficient levels in people with RA. 1 There is some evidence that B vitamins provide benefits in people with RA. For instance, vitamin B6 has been shown to reduce levels of inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), in ...

In exploring available medication options for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the off-label use of low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has gotten a lot of attention in recent years.. What is low-dose naltrexone? Naltrexone is a medication traditionally used to block the effects of opioid medication, including pain relief, and is most typically prescribed for the treatment of opioid and alcohol abuse. 1