“Effective Strategies for Managing Morning Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis”
Morning stiffness or pain is a common issue for those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This discomfort right after waking up can severely affect daily functioning and overall well-being. Here are some tips to help ease morning pain.
About 82% of RA patients and 92% of rheumatologists agree that morning RA pain significantly impacts quality of life. Additionally, around 18% of patients report being unable to work due to this pain. While morning pain is challenging, there are ways to manage it and improve functionality.
RA is a chronic autoimmune disorder that mainly affects the joints, causing inflammation, swelling, pain, stiffness, and loss of function. The disease often progresses over weeks but can develop within days. It typically affects the same joints on both sides of the body, especially those in the limbs.
RA is often confused with other forms of arthritis, like osteoarthritis, but they have different origins despite similar symptoms. The exact cause of RA is unknown, so treatment focuses on symptom relief. Common medications include Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these drugs can become less effective over time and may cause serious side effects. Therefore, doctors often recommend dietary and lifestyle changes alongside medication.
Exercise is beneficial for RA patients, helping them regain some functionality. Managing morning stiffness can be tough, but non-pharmacological therapies are often recommended. These include simple stretching exercises, applying heat to affected joints, taking hot baths or showers, and delaying activities until later in the day. Despite these efforts, symptoms often persist.
Research suggests that morning stiffness is influenced by the body’s internal clock. Insufficient cortisol release at night and elevated levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the early morning contribute to this stiffness. A drug called Lodotra, not yet FDA-approved, shows promise in reducing morning stiffness by suppressing IL-6 levels. It is taken at 10 PM and starts working about four hours later, making it a convenient alternative to other treatments that need to be taken during the night.
Adjusting your sleep environment can also help reduce morning stiffness. Ensure your room is warm but not too warm, use heating pads on affected joints, and find a sleeping position that doesn’t put pressure on your joints. Stress management is crucial, so consider talking to a therapist to find ways to manage stress.
Treating RA pain is challenging, especially since it is often worse in the morning and gradually subsides throughout the day. However, most people need to be functional in the early morning due to work and other obligations. When RA pain affects your ability to function, it can lead to problems in both work and personal life. While stretching and warm baths are commonly recommended, they may not always be effective. Lifestyle and dietary changes, along with stress management, can also help.