How Compression Sleeves Can Help Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, you know how painful its flare-ups can be. While medications can be taken to help calm it down, they aren’t always the healthiest method. This is why you should consider using compression sleeves. Below you’ll find more information about what they are and how they can help heal your rheumatoid arthritis.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Also known as RA, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation around the joints. This form of arthritis often attacks the joints in the hands and feet. It develops when the body’s immune system malfunctions and starts to attack various parts of the body. If not treated, it could end up leading to severe pain and even destroy your internal organs.
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis
While it’s not officially known what exactly makes RA form in the body, doctors believe that it could be caused by a few things.
● Age
Sometimes age can cause RA to develop because your immune system might not be functioning correctly anymore. Because of this, you are more susceptible to getting RA as you get older.
● Genetics
If your family has a history of rheumatoid arthritis, it could mean you might develop it as well.
● Toxic Environment
For those who live in a toxic environment, the chemicals that you are exposed to could cause this medical issue. This is because it might make your immune system malfunction because it’s trying to fight off these chemicals.
● Obesity
If you’re overweight, it could cause pressure on your joints. It could also make your immune system overwork which could lead to you developing RA.
● Smoking
Smoking can lead to joint damage which can invite RA to develop. This is especially so if you are over the age of 55.
● Female Hormones
Studies have been done which seem to indicate that women are more likely to develop RA than men. This is because of a possible decrease of estrogen in their body as they get older.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Swollen joints and muscles
- Stiff or weak joints
- Fatigue
- Anemia
- Lumps on the skin
- Rashes
- Dry mouth
- The sensation of pins and needles poking you
While there are various other symptoms that this disease might cause, these are some of the most common.
What are Compression Sleeves?
Compression sleeves are made of a mixture of nylon and polyester and are worn around your arms and legs. The sleeves are made to tightly secure the area you wrap it around to help improve your circulation.
By wrapping itself tightly around your body, it encourages better circulation. This can lead to:
- Less inflammation
- Reduction in pain
- The repairing of damaged tissues
Because of this, they are ideal to use if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.
How to Put Compression Sleeves On
Putting compression sleeves is a very simple process. All you need to do is pull the sleeve over your arm or leg. If you need help doing so, you can use a special sleeve device that has a handle on it. This way, you can pull it up without problems.
Keep in mind that the sleeve should be tightest at the lowest point of your body while eventually decreasing in this tightness as it moves up. This helps to ensure your circulation works properly.
You’ll also need to measure yourself to find the right sleeve size. You can do so by measuring the circumference of the area where you plan to use it.
How Compression Sleeves Can Help Rheumatoid Arthritis
Compression sleeves can help heal the pain of rheumatoid arthritis in quite a few ways.
● They are Easy to Put On
Those who suffer from RA might be concerned that it could be difficult to put these items on. This is especially so if your hands are swollen and painful from this disease. However, these sleeves are very easy to put on. There are also a few compression sleeves donning equipment pieces you can use to help with putting it on.
● It Reduces Inflammation
One of the best benefits about compression sleeves is that it can reduce inflammation. Because it encourages better circulation throughout your body, it can calm swollen and inflamed joints and muscles.
● It Works Quickly
Unlike some other RA treatments which might take some time before they work, compression sleeves work quickly. Because they get to work as soon as you slide them on, you’ll start instantly feeling relief.
● It’s a Natural Method
If you prefer not to use medications for your RA, compression sleeves are ideal. All you have to do for treatment is put them on your arms or legs and let them get to work. You won’t have to worry about popping pills for relief which can sometimes cause other health problems.
In addition to using compression sleeves, you could also use the services of a chiropractor to help with natural pain relief. You’ll find plenty of chiropractors who offer services to help you reduce and eventually eliminate your RA pain—such as our chiropractic clinic in Alaska.
● It Protects Your Legs From Bruises and Scratches
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause your platelet levels to drop. Because of this, it could cause your arms and legs to easily bruise and scratch. This could end up making them look very unsightly and discolored. Compression sleeves help to prevent this by protecting your skin.
● It Helps with Soreness
Compression sleeves can help with preventing soreness because it improves your lymphatic system. By doing so, it will not only reduce and eliminate pain but help you to be more flexible and energetic as well.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be a serious problem that can cause you to be in significant pain. To understand more about the Anatomy of the wrist you can check this blog post. While there are a few ways you can help manage it, they aren’t always the most helpful. They might also cause other health problems. Because of this, compression sleeves are a great natural alternative to consider. They not only work quickly but are very easy to use.
Post Written By Dr. Brent Wells
Dr. Brent Wells, D.C. founded Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab in Alaska in 1998 and has been a chiropractor for over 20 years. His practice has treated thousands of patients from different health problems using various services designed to help give you long-lasting relief.
Dr. Wells is also the author of over 700 online health articles that have been featured on sites such as Dr. Axe and Lifehack. He is a proud member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians. And he continues his education to remain active and updated in all studies related to neurology, physical rehab, biomechanics, spine conditions, brain injury trauma, and more.
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