Rheumatoid Arthritis Home Remedies

There are a number of home remedies and alternative therapies used to treat rheumatoid arthritis; acupuncture, assistive devices, diet, exercise, stress management, and many more. These self-care measures, when used alongside your rheumatoid arthritis medications, can help you manage your signs and symptoms better than by using medications alone.

Regular exercise is important to health and especially important for those with rheumatoid arthritis. Gentle range of motion exercises can reinforce and tone the muscles around the affected joints, and it can aid in eliminating the fatigue commonly felt with rheumatoid arthritis. Walking is an excellent and gentle exercise that you can start slowly and gradually increase the pace and distance, as tolerated. Swimming or moderate water aerobics are other rheumatoid arthritis friendly exercises and many health clubs and local pools offer swimming classes. The main point to remember is that you should avoid exercising when you have tender joints that are inflamed. Also, if exercise causes new joint pain, you should cut back on your exercising until the pain dissipates. New joint pain after you exercise possibly means you are overdoing it. As always, consult with your physician before you start any new exercise regime.

Applying heat and cold packs may also be beneficial to rheumatoid arthritis patients. Heat packs can help relieve your pain and relax tense, painful muscles. Applying heat by taking a hot shower for 15 minutes is the easiest way in applying heat to joints. You can also apply a heat pack or an electric heating pad regulated in the lowest setting to avoid burning the skin. On the other hand, cold can numb the sensation of pain. Cold also has a dulling effect and reduces spasm of muscles. Methods may include usage cold packs, drenching the affected areas in cold water, and massaging the area with ice or ice packs. As a note, cold treatment is not advised for areas with poor circulation and numbness. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis also find relief by soaking their aching areas in warm water for a few minutes, then in cold water for one minute. When alternating hot and cold, repeat the cycles for 30 minutes, with the warm soak last.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the joints in the hands are usually affected first. Because the hands are used in so many activities of daily living, this is especially bothersome. Hand exercises can help maintain flexibility, range of motion, and strength. There is no generic exercise method that will work for all people with rheumatoid arthritis so it is best to specialists like rheumatologists, physical therapists, or occupational therapist that can help assess and provide an exercise plan for the hands. There is not a one-size-fits-all hand exercise prescription for people with RA, but a rheumatologist, physical therapist, or occupational therapist can help design a program especially for your specific needs.

Finally, finding ways to reduce stress in your life will go a long way in improving symptoms. Techniques such as hypnosis, guided imagery, deep breathing and muscle relaxation,progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, meditation, and tai chi can all be used to control pain and are excellent as a natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. These non-pharmacologic methods can divert pain while also reducing stress levels.