For those familiar with the term, rheumatoid arthritis is a life-altering auto-immune disorder in which our bodies attack the tissue lining our joints in a sort of confusion. You feel hurt at the sites of inflammation and sometimes feel out of balance—maybe you’ve noticed some malformation and think I need to go see a doctor.

X-Ray of the hand for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

You undergo a few X-rays, maybe some assessments, wait six months, get diagnosed, and probably get started on a DMARD (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug) like Remicade. You’ve been told you have a higher risk of heart disease and that obesity can make it ache worse. You’ve heard it all, so you’ve started going on walks, and still, your fingers ache, and you can’t stand for more than thirty minutes.

You’ve sat through that long conversation with your rheumatologist or primary care doctor about the stages of rheumatoid arthritis. Stage 1, you’ve barely started, pain here, stiffness there, x-rays find nothing. Stage 2, you can’t move as well, and it stings a little more. Your doctor orders more X-rays to monitor your joints and bones before stage 3. They start you on an NSAID (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) like Aleve or Advil. It works for a bit, and now they start testing all sorts of DMARDs on you searching for the one that works. You still can’t find it easily, and it wears you down. Your joints feel swollen, and you can’t walk comfortably, but you don’t want surgery just yet for your knee.

Well, at El Paso Clinical Trials, we are currently working on recruiting subjects for a trial testing a new diagnostic modality, one that could drastically improve clinical understanding of rheumatoid arthritis. By participating in this study, you will be compensated for your time and get specialized and focused care.

Coping with Rheumatoid arthritis

Some recommended exercises for rheumatoid arthritis:

Calisthenic exercises that allow your arms and legs to express their range motion will strengthen the muscles around your joints for more support. Exercise up to your tolerable limits.
Go for a walk or a short run.
Extend your arms to the length of your legs reaching your toes to reduce stiffness and maintain range of motion.
Go swimming; the warm water will help support your weight and reduce swelling.
Fight the flare by working out for 10 minutes.
Listen to your hands. When you feel that burning, stabbing pain between your fingers, slowly curl them into a fist, but don’t hold too tightly. Gently move your wrists up and down. This will help keep your range of motion intact.
When working out, ensure your clothing is comfortable, keeps you cool, and won’t throw you off balance.

Resources for Rheumatoid arthritis in the El Paso area

Like other resources for osteoarthritis and gout, El Paso offers a few services for rheumatoid arthritis in addition to local clinics and the University Medical Center.