How Compression Sleeves Can Help Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment & Compression Sleeves
If you’re one of the 1.3 million people suffering from arthritis in the United States, even routine tasks such as climbing the stairs or opening a jar may be painful, difficult obstacles. However, while many people simply accept chronic rheumatoid arthritis pain as “part of getting older”, there are steps you can take to help control it.
What is arthritis?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis actually comprises over 100 diseases and conditions. Aside from rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis’ most frequent forms are psoriatic arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and gout. While much is still unknown about the causes of this painful and often debilitating disease, it known that it is caused by an abnormal response of the immune system. In simplified terms, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and soreness in the joints. The hands, feet, and knees are the most commonly affected areas, with discomfort ranging from a mild aching sensation to severe, throbbing pain. Depending on where your are most affected, rheumatoid arthritis may affect your ability to walk, exercise, dress yourself, and go about your normal routine.
How a compression sleeve can help your rheumatoid arthritis
The firmness and warmth compression sleeves provide can reduce inflammation and keep the joints warm and comfortable. Additionally, the improved circulation caused by the compression can prevent cold feet, another common symptom for arthritis sufferers.
What if I can’t put it on?
For those with swollen, arthritic hands, putting on a compression sleeve can be a challenge. Fortunately, however, there are many products designed to help rheumatoid arthritis sufferers with such tasks. We highly recommend researching different compression sleeve-donning aids so that you can experience the relief of compression on your legs—without causing discomfort to your hands.
A rheumatoid arthritis treatment that works
While rheumatoid arthritis can drastically impact your life, chronic pain is not something you have to bear alone. We highly recommend investigating other common rheumatoid arthritis treatments, such as NSAIDs, DMARDS, and glucocorticoid treatments. Proper medical treatment, when combined with the warming relief of a compression sleeve, can help reduce your inflammation and help you to live a life free of pain.