Do you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis? Prescription medications can only do so much. Here are some Home Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis that can help with some of your symptoms.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
A chronic progressive disease causing inflammation in the joints and resulting in painful deformity and immobility, especially in the fingers, wrists, feet, and ankles
Although research into medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is ongoing, there’s no current cure for this condition. This is a chronic disease, and it’s best to find multiple ways of reducing RA discomfort and slowing its progression.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications and complementary treatments can also help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. And disease-modifying drugs can ease symptoms, prevent joint damage, and help put RA in remission. Work with your doctor to get a holistic approach specific to you.
Here are some helpful home remedies that might help ease your symptoms.
1.Exercise
A healthy diet, stress management, regular exercise, and other remedies can help improve your quality of life. Exercise is a great way to strengthen muscles and increase joint range of motion.
Research from 2014 found that exercise may also improve sleep quality and fatigue in people with RA. Choose exercises that don’t stress your joints.
Brisk walking, swimming, and water aerobics are usually good low-impact choices. Resistance training, such as using resistance bands, also help strengthen your muscles.
Avoid high-impact sports, and take it easy when your joints are tender or severely inflamed. A physical therapist can also show you how to practice low-impact exercises on your own.
2. Sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for those with RA. A 2018 study suggested that poor sleep quality influences levels of pain and your ability to move.
Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. If you don’t get enough sleep at night, taking a nap during the afternoon may also help.
3. Biofeedback
This technique helps you learn to control automatic responses such as heart rate and blood pressure. You do it with sensors on your body, which send information to a monitor. A therapist teaches you how to control your reaction to stresses.
4. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a common treatment in traditional Chinese medicine to help relieve pain. It uses thin needles to stimulate certain points on the body.
Several studies have indicated benefits of acupuncture for RA. A 2018 research review found that acupuncture may improve function and quality of life, and indicated that it’s worth trying for people with
5. Tai Chi
Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that combines slow, gentle movements with awareness and deep breathing. It exercises the mind, body, and spirit.
A 2013 study found that taking group tai chi classes may reduce anxiety and improve social support in people with RA.
Tai chi may also improve symptoms and physical function in people with osteoarthritis, according to a research review from 2013. However, more research is needed specifically for tai chi and RA.
Make sure you take lessons from a knowledgeable instructor, and don’t perform moves that make your pain worse
6. Topical Creams
You might not think of a pain rub as a natural remedy, but many of these products are made from capsaicin, the ingredient that makes chili peppers hot. Studies show it can help ease RA pain. Don’t use it along with a heating pad. It makes burns more likely.
More Home Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis
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