7 Home Remedies For Relieving Rheumatoid Arthritis

What Is Rheumatoid Arthrits

If the joints in your hands, wrists, elbows or knees hurt, you may have arthritis; specifically Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

When you have arthritis, your joints become inflamed, which results in swelling and redness, and your skin feels warm to the touch. Unlike the more common condition called Osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage between the joints breaks down over time, RA is an auto-immune disorder. This means that instead of protecting you from viruses and bacteria, your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the tissue, called the synovium, in the small joints in your hands and feet, elbows and knees. A healthy synovium produces a fluid to lubricate your joints and allows them to move smoothly. RA causes the synovium to thicken, which results in pain and swelling in and around the joints. Over time, the bones in the joints can erode and the joints can become deformed.

RA can also affect the eyes, lungs, blood, heart, nerves or skin. In addition to joint pain and inflammation, some people may experience a loss of appetite, fatigue, or a low-grade fever. RA is called a systemic disease because it can often affect other body systems beside your joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is symmetrical because it affects both sides of the body at the same time. Both of your hands or knees will hurt, unlike Osteoarthritis, which will only affect the joints of the body that have “worn down” due to frequent and repetitive use.

More common in women than men, rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age though it usually begins after age 40.

Damage to the joint cannot be reversed. If you suspect you have RA, ask your doctor to refer you to a Rheumatologist; a specialist who has been specifically trained to diagnose and treat RA.

 

Home Remedies To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you are diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, there are several “home remedies” you can follow to alleviate the pain and provide you with a better quality of life

Eat a Healthy Anti-inflammatory Diet

There is no RA-specific diet. However, studies have found that inflammation can be reduced when patients eat certain foods rich in antioxidants on a daily basis. Eat lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, olive oil and fish, along with other healthy foods like lean cuts of meat, nuts, legumes, etc. Also, reduce the number of processed foods in your diet.

Supplements

Taking daily supplements like omega-3 fish oil, flaxseed, and turmeric may help with RA pain and morning stiffness. Make sure you discuss any supplements you take with your doctor to determine potential side effects or drug interactions with medications you may be taking.

Exercise

Physical activity is a major component of Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment. Concentrate on low-impact aerobics like swimming or cycling. Add in some flexibility and muscle strengthening exercises like yoga.

Rest

When the pain is at its worst, take a break. Rest reduces the inflammation and fatigue.

Hot and cold

Soaking in a warm bath, or applying a heating pad to the painful area can help to relieve tired muscles and stiff joints. To numb the acute pain and reduce the inflammation, apply an ice pack for twenty minutes. Reapply as often as necessary with twenty minutes of cold, then wait twenty minutes before applying another ice pack for twenty minutes.

Natural alternatives

Though it can be difficult to relax when you are in pain, learning to compartmentalize the pain so you can relax will help lessen the level of discomfort. Techniques like deep breathing can help train painful muscles to relax. Massage can ease stress and improve joint function. Acupressure, which involves applying pressure to the body along special points called “meridians,” can also relieve pain.

Surround yourself with a loyal support system

Suffering through any type of painful health condition can be demoralizing and result in a negative outlook which makes it difficult to handle the life changes one might experience. However, having a close network of family and friends can provide much needed emotional support that can give you a positive outlook, which improves your ability to bounce back.

 

RA is painful, but it doesn’t have to beat you. By employing these simple and low-cost home remedies for rheumatoid arthritis, you can continue to enjoy a very full and happy quality of life.