Dealing with pain
Pain – chronic or intermittent
Joint pain or joint inflammation are the first symptoms in 60% of those affected and prompt them to see a doctor.
It can be difficult to diagnose systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as not all diagnostic criteria are always met at the outset.
Mild pain
There are many aids and strategies that can help relieve mild rheumatic pain.
For sore hands, for example, there are arthritis gloves. They provide warmth and improve blood circulation. For swelling or redness, cold treatments such as the tried-and-tested quark wraps are recommended. Sore feet can be rubbed with coconut oil.
Exercise can also help relieve pain. Lupus Europe has produced a series of short videos on this topic in collaboration with physiotherapists. Try incorporating some of these exercises into your daily routine!
You can find the videos via the link.
Chronic pain is a burden. Naturally, you are constantly looking for ways to find relief. One such approach is simply accepting the pain. This can lessen the intensity of the pain, reduce stress and anxiety, enable a reduction in painkillers, alleviate depression and boost self-efficacy.
Accepting pain does not mean ignoring or putting up with it! Rather, it is a strategy for learning to cope with it better. The aim is not to let the pain take over your life and to achieve the best possible quality of life.
If the pain becomes too severe, your doctor may prescribe medication. There’s no need to suffer unnecessarily! Find the methods that work best for you.