Some people find that learned relaxation techniques can help them live more comfortably with arthritis. For example, some people have learned the technique known as biofeedback, which enables them to better understand when they are tense and how to relax certain muscles through mental power. In some biofeedback learning centers, electronic sensors are placed on the body to measure various functions, including blood pressure, heart rate, and skin temperature. The individual, aware of these rates because of an audible sound, learns to control them at will. If you are interested in learning about these techniques, talk with your doctor or physical therapist, which will be able to tell you if the techniques could help you. If you do learn biofeedback techniques, it is important that you get instruction from a qualified instructor at a well-established learning centre.

Aids and Appliances

Joint pain, due to arthritis, can also be relieved or treated by unloading the joint. Weight reduction (one kilogram weight loss can produce a 3 to 4 kg decrease in load across the joint) is one approach. Using a forearm or axillary crutch on the opposite side will reduce by more than one-half the amount of weight borne by the limb in question. A cane, however, while good for balance, is not as effective in unloading a limb as a crutch. Because the problem in arthritis is likely to be chronic, a fairly permanent and comfortable solution needs to be found. For the patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is critical that the grip is suited to the deformity in the hand. Platform crutches or platform walker can be used.