Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful chronic disorder for which there is currently no cure. In the old days, treatments for this condition included leeching, bloodletting, acupuncture, cupping, the use of heat, salicylic acid(aspirin), willow leaves, gold, bismuth, copper salts, arsenic, and acupressure. More recently, anti-TNF antibodies have shown effectiveness in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
While the solution to rheumatoid arthritis has not yet been discovered, there have been many successes in the continued search for rheumatoid arthritis treatment and cure. There is some good news, however. New types of medicines such as Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs and over the counter medications have made remarkable strides in helping those who suffer from the disorder, as well as many natural types of treatment that have been shown to work with some success. Fitness, a healthy diet, rest and more natural treatments can vastly improve the quality of life from those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
20 Ways To Find RA Relief Naturally
Diet Therapy
Getting your diet examined and rehauled by a nutritionist may help vastly with symptoms of this condition. Adding inflammatory foods to your diet may help combat the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Consult a nutritionist to see what rheumatoid arthritis treatment options are available to you by changing your diet.
Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements may help the side effects of RA with its natural effects. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation, pain and stiffness, borage oil supplements may reduce swollen and tender joints, green tea extract and quercetin, white willow bark, ginger,and boswellia are all anti-inflammatory agents that act similar to aspirin. Other supplements that may help are SAM-e, cat’s claw, avocado-soy unsaponifiables, kombucha tea, and colloidal silver.
Fish Oil/Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Anti inflammatory foods are often packed with omega-3 fatty acids and have been reported to reduce pain in those suffering from RA. You can add a fish oil supplement to your diet to get the desired effect or add foods such as flax seeds, walnuts, almonds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, or fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, mackerel and herring to your diet to reap the anti-inflammatory benefits.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants destroy free radicals but also reduce inflammation. Studies have effectively shown that an antioxidant-rich diet may reduce both the pain and inflammation in joints that are affected by RA.
Whole Grains
Foods high in fiber may be able to reduce the amounts of C-reactive protein in your blood, research has shown. C-reactive proteins are markers that indicate your body’s level of inflammation. You can combat inflammation and find more relief by including more fiber into your diet through whole grains. A whole grain cereal may help reduce inflammation.
Alternative Medicine
When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, it’s more than just drugs. Alternative medicine may be helpful to those suffering with this condition. When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis treatment natural, herbal remedies may be the way to go. This could be ginger or willow bark extract, which has a history of helping reduce pain. Thunder God Vine has also been used in China for a long time due to its effects on inflammation, swelling, and joint pain. It contains active compounds such as diterpenoids and was proven just as effective for short term treatment of RA as methotrexate. Other medicines that may help include feverfew, cat’s claw, and stinging nettle, which leaves a warming sensation after applied that relieves pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is over 2,000 years old and was first utilized in Asia. In this rheumatoid arthritis treatment, needles are inserted at specific points into the skin along channels to treat different diseases. There have been studies done on acupuncture for the relief of pain due to degenerative arthritis of the knee and found that they experienced less pain. Ideally, acupuncture is part of a comprehensive approach in Chinese medicine and not a stand alone treatment. You can always yourself, can acupuncture help relieve arthritis pain?
Naturopathic Medicine
Naturopathic medicine is a great way to treat the pain associated with RA. These alternative remedies work with your body and mind to provide natural responses and all natural relief. Consult your doctor to learn more or get a reference.
Chinese Medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine, you may find some relief for your arthritis. Acupuncture is just one part of what is traditionally a comprehensive treatment plan. This may include herbal therapy, your diet, and light exercise, as well as other aspects of Chinese medicine such as Tai Chi and Asian medicinal foods that work with the yin or yang of your body to warm or cool.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic treatment may be helpful to rheumatoid arthritis treatment and side effects. It does primarily work with the treatment of disorders of the neuro-musculoskeletal system. The natural focus on the muscles, joints, and nervous system can help with mobility, strengthening, support, easting joint stiffness, and relaxing tight muscles. Consult a chiropractor for a diagnosis and treatment options, exercises, and advice.
Fitness and Exercise
Regular exercise is a great way to fight the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. High impact sports can be tough on those with inflamed joints, but gentler exercises such as pilates, yoga, walking, swimming or aerobics such as water aerobics can be beneficial for both body and mind, as they reduce stress and promote relaxation while helping you maintain strength and flexibility. If you are a starter, it’s probably good for you to start with investigating the pros and cons of yoga for rheumatoid arthritis.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is a natural remedy to RA that may help improve function for those suffering from this condition. It is a Chinese martial art that focuses on slow and gentle movements in combination with awareness and deep breathing to exercise the mind, body, and spirit. Consult with your doctor to see if this is right for you and take lessons from a knowledgeable, legitimate instructor.
Aquatic Therapy
This gentle rheumatoid arthritis treatment may help ease pain and increase the strength of joints and muscles, there by combating many of the negative effects of this condition. Ask your doctor where you can find this therapy through classes at your local YMCA or other pool clubs. With less weight on your body, exercise is easier.
Massage Therapy
One of the best rheumatoid arthritis treatment types may involve getting a massage. The mind body effect can be strong, and therapists know how to ease pain through massage of the joints and muscles. Book a massage with a licensed therapist today.
Mind/Body Therapy
The mind body connection is very strong and may help ease pain in those with RA. Thoughts affect the body so visualization may help influence how your body works. Find a guided imagery coach and you may visualize your way to less pain.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Heat and cold therapy may help ease swelling. Applying ice packs and being cold could help reduce swelling, numb pain, and relax muscle spasms. On the other end of the spectrum, heat can also help relieve pain, stiffness, and hot muscles. A hot shower or bath may provide a soothing experience.
Pain Creams
Lotions and topical creams exist that can directly applied to the skin near painful areas. The skin absorbs the ingredients and provides relief from pain. Products that contain camphor menthol, salicylates, capsaicin, or turpentine oil may provide effective relief from your pain.
Magnets
Magnet therapy can be used for pain control. Therapeutic devices often can be incorporating permanent magnets for a more natural treatment of RA. Magnet therapy may help to reduce the pain of chronic musculoskeletal disorders by relieving pain as well as inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback with relaxation strategies have proven a benefit in alleviating pain and stress-related symptoms. It has positive effects on pain and tension, both major aspects of RA.
Surgery
Surgery may help ease pain and correct deformities in those with RA. It can relieve pressure on nerves and repair damage to tendons. Consult with your doctor to see if this is right for you.
Bonus Tip
We may have the same diagnosis, but no two people will have the exact same path to successfully managing RA pain. As you work through and try different forms of natural treatment options, I encourage you to keep a diary that allows you to document your thoughts, feelings, pain, swelling, other medications, etc. This will allow you to truly assess what is happening with your body based on the changes you’ve made or new habits you’ve formed.
To make this process a little easier, I’ve included a few resources to “diary” or “journal” applications for both iPhones and Android. My thought is if you have a tool that makes the process of documenting more fun then you’ll be more likely to engage in the activity, right?! Here are few ideas for journalling apps:
I find these sorts of tools especially helpful when you are focused on a new meal plan. One final thought, consider keeping a food diary no matter what. This can be a great tool for anyone with RA for a number of reasons, but I’ve found that when I have a flair up and go back to review what I ate the day before I can often times see exactly what I ate to cause my flair up. Speaking of foods that cause flair ups, be sure to get your free copy of our popular ebook titled 6 Foods to Avoid If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis.