
How lifestyle changes can help reduce pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients
CBSN
An estimated 1.5 million Americans have a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Many patients with the autoimmune illness experience flare-ups and chronic pain. But speaking up at the doctor's office and making lifestyle adjustments can help alleviate some of the pain and discomfort, says Nick Turkas, senior director for patient education at the Arthritis Foundation.
"I think it's very common for people with arthritis to not complain," said Turkas. He emphasizes the importance of discussing it with your doctor.
"If you're not talking to your doctor about your knee pain or you're not talking about your hip pain or your finger pain or whatever it is, you are missing an opportunity to improve your health. And we know that people wait, and they wait too long."