When you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and chronic fatigue—there’s a good chance you field a lot of advice from friends, family, and strangers about how to ease your discomfort. While the people doling out their best tips may mean well, it’s impossible for them to really understand the symptoms you’re experiencing, or what will make you feel better.
Shoulder stretches can help relieve pain and stiffness in tight shoulders, which are a common problem among most adults. Stretching is a great way to improve flexibility and mobility and prevent injury.
Carpal tunnel syndrome involves the compression of the median nerve in the wrist, which can cause pain and numbness in the hand. Certain hand exercises can help relieve pressure on the median nerve and alleviate symptoms.
Pain and stiffness in your shoulder can make every activity including sleep difficult. Worsening shoulder pain, especially at night, could mean you have a frozen shoulder, says Dr. Christopher Camp, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon.
Also known as Dequervain’s tenosynovitis, gamer’s thumb is “a condition that causes pain, stiffness and a sensation of pain with thumb and wrist motion,” says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
