Health Tip: Keep Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain at Bay

Get enough rest, and watch what you eat

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(HealthDay News) -- Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. There is no cure, and most treatments focus on slowing joint damage and treating pain.

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In addition to pain medication, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases has these suggestions to help reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:

• Get plenty of rest, especially when you have severe symptoms.
• Get regular exercise -- more when symptoms have eased, and less when symptoms are severe.
• Protect joints, such as wrists and ankles, with splints.
• Reduce stress using relaxation techniques, exercising and joining a support group.
• Maintain a healthy diet, including restricted alcohol consumption.

-- Diana Kohnle