So you just got diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis....
A guide to coping with inflammatory arthritis written by someone who has been living with it for years
1. Warmth helps with pain and stiffness
Take a hot bath or shower
Use a rice bag to heat your most stiff and painful joints - How to make a warm rice bag (no sew) How to make a warm rice bag (sew) Adorable heated stuffed animals
Heating pads can also be good for heating specific joints (I don't like either of the ones I've had so I'm not dropping a recommendation)
2. Compression helps with stiffness
Compression gloves work really well in particular - Really cool compression gloves
Compression for other joints works well too
3. NSAIDs help reduce inflammation in your joints
Topical diclofenac is my personal favorite, it works wonders
Meloxicam is only available by prescription but has fewer negative side effects than over the counter NSAIDs do
Ibuprofen and Aleve/Naproxen are both OTC NSAIDs
Here's a full list of NSAIDs
4. Steroids reduce inflammation but are usually only used for flares. If OTC remedies are not working for your arthritis it may be worth asking about steroids to manage flares
Note that I haven't tried all of these!
In the kitchen - Jar opener, pull tab opener, arthritis friendly silverware, ergonomic knife, another ergonomic knife
In the bathroom - My favorite shower chair, long handle bath sponge, shower grab bar
Dressing - Many button and zipper aids, magnetic jewelry clasps, sock aid
Standing assists - Bed rail, couch stand assist, cane with stand assist
Office - Pencil grips, book stand, vertical mouse
Other - Arthritis friendly gardening tools, so many grips adapters and holders
6. Use mobility aids - I'd strongly recommend talking to a doctor before deciding to use mobility aids. mobility aids cause damage to your body so it's important to weigh the pros and cons of using them. Anyways my personal recommendations:
Canes - NOVA T cane, Carex ergonomic offset cane
Crutches - Millennial In-Motion Forearm crutches
Other people with inflammatory arthritis are welcome to add on!
