Sep 16, 2016

6 Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! This common phrase is not just an “old wives’ tale” but holds true when it comes to managing your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pain. Of course, you will need to keep up with your usual medical care, but many natural remedies can relieve RA-related pain and stiffness.

Although there are many over-the-counter medication options and professional medical treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, science still has not found an absolute cure. So, keep reading for more information about six natural remedies to ease the pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Get plenty of rest.

Get some shut-eye! It is crucial that you give your body the rest it needs, and it is especially necessary for those who suffer from RA. Ideally, you should be sleeping at least seven to eight hours each night.

We know this might seem like an impossible feat for those who suffer from insomnia or stress. If you are dealing with anything that is negatively affecting your sleep, we encourage you to consult a professional physician, such as the doctors who work at Carolina Arthritis. Our bodies need to be recharged, so do yourself a favor and make REM a priority.

A healthy diet.

The fuel you put into your body truly matters. Although a healthy and balanced diet will not cure rheumatoid arthritis, it will work to fight inflammation, build stronger bones, and boost your immune system.

There are particular inflammation-fighting and bone-strengthening foods that will help you fight the battle against RA. These foods include:

  • Fish
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Green tea
  • Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit
  • Cherries
  • Dairy
  • Broccoli
  • Oatmeal
  • Brown rice
  • Red beans
  • Nuts like walnuts, pistachios, and almonds.

Fuel up and fight on!

Implement an active routine.

We know that rheumatoid arthritis can make it challenging to participate in high-impact exercise movements that put extra pressure on your joints. However, don’t count exercise out altogether!

There are plenty of modified, low-impact exercise options to choose from, such as walking, swimming, or yoga. Talk to your doctor or a physical therapist before you get started, and they will help create the right program for you. Some things to focus on include:

  • Aerobic exercise to get your heart moving.
  • Range-of-motion activities to help your joints move as they should.
  • Strength training to keep the muscles around your joints healthy.
  • Balance moves to help you avoid stumbles.

Keep those muscles healthy and fight fatigue by committing to your fitness.

[One of the best natural remedies is positive thinking. Click here to find out more!]

Natural supplements.

Natural remedies and supplements, such as herbs and oils, ultimately benefit your overall health. Particular supplements have resulted in positive outcomes for those who have rheumatoid arthritis.

Studies show that fish oils correlate with relieving stiffness and pain caused by RA. Selective plant oils have also proven to reduce stiffness, such as evening primrose oil. Natural corrective treatments are helpful to your overall health and towards fighting pain directly caused by RA.

Hot and cold therapy.

Apply heat through heating pads or cooling through icepacks are simple at-home remedies that minimize inflammation caused by RA. Prepare a hot bath and relieve your stiffness. These methods boost relaxation and refresh those achy joints.

Kick back after a long day, plug in that heating pad, or add bubbles to that tub, and relieve those uncomfortable joints. Just don’t overdo it. Apply the cold compress for 15 minutes at a time and take at least a 30-minute break between treatments.

Alternative therapies. 

Often the idea of self-health, alternative treatments, or even just the simple act of pressing pause on our daily grind can be such a foreign concept in our busy lives. It’s essential to keep an open mind and understand some alternative therapies that can improve your overall health and relieve the pain caused by arthritis. Some alternative therapies to help ease arthritis pain include:

  • Acupuncture
  • Massage
  • Tai Chi

Try not to let preconceived notions of alternative therapies stop you from engaging in a beautiful act that can relieve the pain and inflammation brought on by arthritis. Focusing on self-care can have powerful impacts on the stresses of your condition, as well as the stresses of your busy everyday life!

These natural remedies can be very beneficial in treating the pain and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis. If you are still experiencing pain or need more help managing life with RA, please do not hesitate to contact Carolina Arthritis for professional treatment.