More rest and less activity are needed during flares and the opposite is true during periods of improvement. Joint protection refers to the careful use of joints in ways which avoid causing stress and damage to affected joints. You should seek advice from an Occupational Therapist on organising your activities. Joint protection can also involve using splints to prevent joints from becoming permanently bent and stiff. Various simple aids and appliances are also helpful in carrying out everyday activities.
Heat treatments are effective ways to relax muscles and relieve joint pain and soreness.
This is especially helpful in the morning, when people often feel stiff and painful, or to limber up stiff joints before doing exercises. Cold treatments can relieve pain in some people, cold compresses wrapped in towels can help numb the affected area and reduce the pain. Consult your physiotherapist. People with arthritis, like everyone else, need a well balanced diet so that they get the right nutrients and have enough strength and energy to be as healthy as possible. People with arthritis who are overweight should lose weight to avoid putting unnecessary stress on diseased joints.