Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an ongoing (chronic) disease. It is an autoimmune disease. This means your immune system attacks the lining of your joints causing pain, stiffness, tenderness and swelling. Overtime, it also damages your cartilage and bones. You can help control symptoms of RA with medicine, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. It doesn't have to keep you from being active. Make sure to see your doctor for scheduled checkups and blood tests. You should see a rheumatologist as soon as possible. This is a doctor who specializes in arthritis and related diseases. Early treatment by this specialist can help prevent or decrease joint damage.

Gentle exercise can help reduce your pain. Here are some tips:

• Choose exercises that improve joint motion and make your muscles stronger. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist (PT). A PT can show you certain exercises that may help.
• Try to exercise on a regular basis. How much (minutes per week) and what kind of exercise is best for you depends on your health and your joints. Your health care team or physical therapist can help you find the right amount and types of exercises to engage in.
• Try doing exercises in a warm pool. Try walking, or riding a bike. Look for exercise programs in your area for people with arthritis.
• Make sure you warm up for 5 to 10 minutes each time you exercise. Stretching and flexibility exercises are often helpful.
• Don't push yourself too hard at first. Build up your exercise level over time.
• If pain and stiffness increase, don't exercise as hard or as long.
• Mind-body exercises like yoga or tai chi can also help with pain and how your body moves.

If you have excess weight, your weight-bearing joints are under extra pressure. This may make your symptoms worse. To reduce pain and stiffness, try losing some weight. These tips may help:

• Start a weight-loss program with the help of your doctor.
• Ask your friends and family for support.
• Join a weight-loss group.

Having a long-term condition is stressful. It can be a challenge to deal with the emotions and symptoms, such as chronic pain.

• Take medicines as directed by your doctor. You will likely start on a type of medicine called DMARD or a disease-modifying drug. They help slow or stop joint damage.
• Work with your doctor on ways to reduce pain. They may advise medicines, use of heat and cold, and other methods.
• People with RA have a higher chance of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about ways to lower your risk, such as not smoking, vaping, or using other tobacco or nicotine products, staying active, eating well, and monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Learn ways to help you relax. It may not be easy, but it may help reduce stress, anxiety, and pain. Try simple deep-breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.
• Depression is common with long-term conditions. If you feel depressed, make sure you talk with your doctor. Medicine and counseling can help.

There are things you can do every day to protect your joints:

• Learn to balance rest with activity. Even on days when you have few symptoms, rest is still important.
• Ask friends and family members for help. Help with simple things can make a big difference for you. For example, you might ask someone to change a light bulb, or take out your weekly garbage.
• Use assistive devices. These are special tools that reduce strain and protect joints. They include things, such as:
  • Long-handled reachers or grabbers for reaching high and low
  • Jar openers, two-handled cups, and button threaders—all of these devices help to protect your fingers, hands, and wrists
  • Large grips for pencils, pens, and kitchen and garden tools

People with arthritis often use mobility aids to help with walking. These can include canes or walkers. They may also use splints or braces to support joints. Talk with your doctor or therapist about these aids. For example, you may find it helpful to:

• Use a cane to ease knee or hip pain and help prevent falls
• Use splints for your wrists or other joints
• Wear a brace to support a weak knee joint

For more information and support, visit the Arthritis Foundation at www.arthritis.org .