Top 20 Natural Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Options

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.