Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments - Natural Health Solutions

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes inflammation in the lining of the joints and can damage many parts of the body, including the lungs, eyes, and heart. Chronic autoimmune disorders can cause permanent disability if not diagnosed early and controlled effectively. Disabilities happen as the condition causes bone erosion and deformity in the joints from chronic and painful swelling.

Common Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Early symptoms of RA can seem easy to ignore. Stiffness or mild joint pain can occur in aging people with active lifestyles. An occasional ache or pain may feel normal. The symptoms of RA can come and go, even as the disease progresses.

Many people with the condition will have periods of remission where the pain and swelling subside or becomes less painful, especially joint paint in toes and fingers in the joints closest to the hands or feet. To identify the disease early, people must watch for specific warning signs.

• Stiff and tender joints
• Warmth and swelling of the joints
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Weakness
• Joint paint in toes and fingers in the joints closest to the hands or feet
• Pain in smaller joints that spreads to larger ones
  

Common Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

RA is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune diseases are when the immune system attacks the body rather than germs or other health risks. RA may start due to genetics, exposure to a bacteria or virus, or prolonged exposure to periods of emotional stress. Other factors can contribute. Certain risk factors exist that make people more susceptible to RA.

• Women develop the condition more often than men.
• Patients usually develop RA in middle age.
• Smokers have a higher risk of developing RA, and the habit can increase the disease severity.
• Excess weight raises the risk of RA.
• Having a family member with RA increases the likelihood of the disease.
  

How the Medical Community Treats Rheumatoid Arthritis

After diagnosis, patients can expect their medical provider to recommend lifestyle changes that include a healthy diet and exercise. Many people will receive steroid medications during times of severe symptoms. In addition, doctors often recommend OTC painkillers that relieve inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Certain prescription medications can help slow the progression of the condition. The doctor may also suggest the guidance of a physical therapist to help the patient develop an exercise plan to keep their bodies flexible without causing joint damage.

Severe cases of RA can require the patient to have access to assistive devices that allow them to perform daily tasks easier. In addition, surgical options may become necessary if medications do not provide the relief needed. Surgery on the affected joints can reduce the pain and make movement more comfortable. Other surgeries common for RA patients include tendon repairs and joint replacements.

How Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Be Treated with Natural Remedies

Surgery and medications can positively affect the health of people with RA, but they also have risks. Side effects from medication can include increased risks of infection, stomach problems, and cancer. Every surgery presents some risk, and procedures like joint repair have even more potential for complications. Alternative health treatments may offer a more natural solution with less pain and fewer risks.

RA patients have many options available, and homeopathic remedies never need to replace traditional medical treatment. Instead, healthy natural alternatives can work alongside conventional medicine without increasing health risks. The best choice of option can depend on the preferences of the individual and the health problems experienced by RA.

• Acupuncture - Studies repeatedly proved the benefits of acupuncture for RA. Using the treatment can improve the quality of life by reducing inflammation and slowing the progression of RA.

• Yoga - RA patients participating in a medical study on Yoga showed positive changes in their emotional and physical well-being for at least two months after six weeks of regular sessions.

• Whole Food Supplements - Supplements offer an endless array of potential benefits. Probiotic supplementation taken daily for eight weeks reduced inflammation and lessened the severity of the condition. Many supplements help reduce pain, control inflammation, and improve emotional health.

• Herbal Supplements - Natural options include popularly used herbal remedies, lesser-known botanicals, and common spices and herbs found in most kitchens. Many products also work as topical treatments for faster pain or inflammation relief when applied directly to affected areas.

• Massage Therapy - Studies have shown that RA patients improved their grip strength, felt less pain, and had a better range of motion when undergoing massage therapy. Moderate pressure massage provided the most benefit to participants of the study.

Rheumatoid arthritis complicates life and can make everyday tasks seem impossible. The diagnosis of the condition causes many individuals to feel hopeless over the changes occurring in their bodies. Conventional medicine offers some relief, but combined with alternative medicine, the potential exists to put the disease in remission and keep it there so they can live the life they want.

Additional Resources

• Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview - Mayo Clinic
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and More - Arthritis Foundation
• Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis - NBC News