Morning stiffness or pain is a common issue for those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Many people with RA wake up feeling intense pain, which can seriously affect their daily lives and overall well-being. Here are some tips to help you find relief in the mornings.
Studies show that 82% of RA patients and 92% of rheumatologists agree that morning pain significantly impacts quality of life. About 18% of those surveyed even said their pain prevents them from working. While morning pain can be tough, there are ways to manage it and improve your daily functioning.
RA is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily targets the joints. It usually progresses over weeks but can sometimes develop in just days. It causes inflammation, swelling, pain, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints, typically in a symmetrical pattern, affecting the same joints on both sides of the body, especially those in the limbs.
There are many forms of arthritis, with RA and osteoarthritis being the most common. They share similar symptoms but have different causes. Doctors don’t know exactly what causes RA, so treatments focus on symptom relief. Medications like DMARDs, corticosteroids, and NSAIDs are commonly prescribed. However, these drugs can become less effective over time and may have serious side effects. Thus, doctors often suggest dietary and lifestyle changes alongside medication.
Exercise, for example, can help RA patients regain some functionality. Managing morning stiffness can be challenging. Research published in the Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology highlights that non-pharmacological therapies are often recommended.
Doctors suggest simple stretching, exercises, applying heat, taking hot baths or showers, or postponing activities until later in the day. Despite these efforts, symptoms often persist because morning stiffness appears to be influenced by the body’s internal clock. Studies indicate that insufficient cortisol release at night and higher levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6 in the morning contribute to this stiffness.
A drug called Lodotra, which isn’t FDA-approved yet, may offer a solution. It works by suppressing IL-6 levels, thereby reducing morning stiffness. Taken at 10 PM, it starts working around four hours later, providing a more practical alternative to glucocorticoids, which need to be taken during the night, disrupting sleep.
Adjusting your sleep environment can also help reduce morning stiffness. Sleep in a warm, but not too warm, room, keep yourself covered, use heating pads on affected joints, and find a position that doesn’t put pressure on your joints.
Managing stress is crucial for RA patients. Talking to a therapist can help you find effective ways to handle stress.
Dealing with RA pain is challenging, especially since it’s usually worse in the morning and gradually improves throughout the day. This can interfere with work and daily responsibilities. While stretching and warm baths are commonly recommended morning routines, they don’t always provide significant relief. Changing your lifestyle, dietary habits, and managing stress can also be beneficial in coping with RA pain.
