When it comes to managing seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, it can be difficult to find relief. But did you know that compression gloves might be a viable option?
Let’s take a look at how these gloves can help arthritis patients manage their symptoms and live a more comfortable life.
What is seronegative rheumatoid arthritis?
Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis is a form of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that doesn't show up in blood tests for the presence of certain antibodies.
It is called “seronegative” because patients test negative for some antibodies commonly associated with RA. As such, it can be more difficult to diagnose than other forms of arthritis as the symptoms may be attributed to other conditions or simply ignored.
While seronegative RA tends to follow a milder progression than standard (seropositive) rheumatoid arthritis, it can still cause inflammation and pain in the joints.
In some cases, it can even cause joint deformity over time, especially when there has been a delay in starting treatment caused by late diagnosis.
What are compression gloves?
Compression gloves are just what they sound like; gloves that provide gentle compression of the wrists and hands.
By applying pressure to the affected areas, these gloves help reduce inflammation and alleviate the pain associated with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, in the same way that they work for other forms of arthritic hand pain.
Benefits of compression gloves for seronegative rheumatoid arthritis
The benefits of compression gloves go beyond providing relief from arthritic pain. These gloves also improve circulation in the hands, which helps reduce swelling and stiffness while improving overall mobility.
Compression gloves have also been found to reduce fatigue by providing support to the joints while reducing muscle tension in the hand and wrist area. Additionally, they can provide protection against further injury if you have weak or damaged joints due to your condition.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that seronegative rheumatoid arthritis is not necessarily any less serious than other forms of arthritis; rather it simply means that it’s harder to diagnose due to its lack of certain antibodies usually associated with the condition.
Compression gloves can help manage the swelling and pain of seronegative RA but they cannot stop the underlying disease progression.
If you think you may have seronegative RA it's important that you visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis followed by an individualized treatment plan so you can manage your symptoms more effectively.