Day-to-day care attention for rheumatological arthritis patients
The following are daily care attentions for rheumatological arthritis patients:
• The period of acute onset, when joint pain and swelling is evident, shall be dominated by rest. During the break, joints are placed in comfortable positions, such as the use of pillow mats to reduce the pressure of the joints by making them lean. However, it is important to avoid maintaining the same position for long periods of time and to prevent the rigidity of the joints. The mitigation period should be an appropriate period of activity and allow for joint flexibility. Simple joint activities can be carried out, such as handshakes, stretching of fingers, turning of wrists, stretching of elbows and shoulder, repeated many times a day. The volume of activities should be gradual and avoid overwork. The patient should avoid damage and minimize the use of small joints, such as hand palms or arms instead of fingers. When you pick up something, use your hands instead of your one hand and lighten your finger joints. It should also avoid standing, walking or going up and down stairs for long periods of time, with the use of assistive devices such as crutches, wheelchairs, etc., and the excessive bending and reversal of body movements to prevent damage to the spine and waist joints.
Warming and damp, cold and humid weather can increase joint pain and patients need to follow weather forecasts and add clothing in a timely manner. In cold weather, you need to wear warm gloves, hats, scarfs and knee-protecting while minimizing exposure. When air conditioning is used in the summer, the temperature is avoided and the cold wind is not allowed to blow to the body and the joint is not cool. Keep the interior warm and dry, with wetter and heating. The indoor temperature is generally kept at 22 – 24°C. Patients should also avoid direct contact with cold water and use hot water as much as possible in their daily activities, such as washing and washing dishes.
3. The use of assistive devices, which may be appropriate in the light of joint malformations or pain. If a person with a disfigured finger, he or she can easily hold it with a utensils, toothbrush, etc. with a thick handle; if a person with a pain in his or her knee can wear a knee and provide a joint support; and if a patient with difficulty walking can use a cane or wheelchair to reduce the weight of the joint.
Dietary care to ensure sufficient intake of protein, vitamins and minerals. More food with high-quality proteins, such as skinny meat, fish, eggs and beans, contributes to muscle repair and increased immunity. Increased intake of fresh vegetables and fruit to obtain abundant vitamins and antioxidants. Patients should reduce ingestion of foods rich in saturated and trans-fat acids, such as fried foods, animal fats, etc., which can exacerbate inflammation. Patients need to adequately increase foods rich in fatty-3 acid, such as deep-sea fish, Zia seeds, walnuts, etc., which may help to mitigate inflammation.
V. Brushing teeth at least twice a day and using soft-haired toothbrushes to prevent damage to teeth. Maintaining oral cleaning reduces the risk of infection, as oral infections can induce or exacerbate rheumatism.
Psychiatry, rheumatism arthritis is a chronic disease and patients are prone to anxiety, depression, etc. Families and friends need to understand and support to encourage patients to express their feelings. Patients themselves can shift their attention by listening to music, reading and participating in social events, so as to remain positive and optimistic. If emotional problems are serious, the help of a professional psychologist is sought.
