Are you living with rheumatoid arthritis? If so, it is highly likely that you suffer from intense joint pain each and every day. This specific condition can eventually become crippling. Your joints will become red, warm and swell abnormally. With this in mind, it is pertinent to take action to remedy this problem as quickly as possible. Failing to do so could leave you confined to your bedroom and this is truly no way to live. Many people rely on prescription medications to combat this condition. The good news is that you do not have to. Within this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the most effective natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis.
Low Impact Exercising
Initially, you may believe that working out and exercising would have a negative impact on your symptoms. This isn’t always true. In fact, as long as you stick with the right exercises, you’ll benefit greatly. Certain exercises can help to strengthen your muscles and improve the range of motion in your
joints. Plus, some workouts put very little pressure on the joints. Walking more frequently is definitely a good way to get started. You should also consider jumping into the swimming pool more often. Never run with maximum intensity. This would only put added pressure on your joints and make them hurt even more.
Tai Chi
How would you like to calm your nerves, clear your mind and subdue your pain? If so, you should definitely consider practicing the Chinese art of Tai Chi. This specific martial art includes gentle movements that are performed very slowly. Partaking in this exercise will provide you with a wealth of benefits. First and foremost, it can help you better understand your body, while also allowing you to clear your mind. More importantly, several studies have concluded that Tai Chi can actually improve the motor functions of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
Since some of the techniques are tricky, you should get lessons from a skilled instructor. If you do not, you might perform maneuvers that cause your pain to worsen.
Topical Creams
As you likely already know, there are various creams that claim to offer benefits to patients suffering from intense pain. This one of the most simplistic and effortless remedies. Just purchase the cream and apply it to the skin near the inflamed area. The skin will absorb the cream’s ingredients and this will provide you with temporary relief. It is in your best interest to purchase products that contain menthol, capsaicin or camphor. Just be cautious with capsaicin, because this ingredient can be very potent and it may lead to burning of the skin if used in higher quantities.
Taking Fish Oil
During the past few years, several studies have been conducted regarding the benefits of fish oil. Many have confirmed that this specific supplement can help aid patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, it is believed that the supplement can help to reduce pain, while also decreasing stiffness. Just make sure you speak with your primary physician in advance. Fish oil can sometimes interact with other medications and this could result in greater bleeding and bruising risks. Also, some patients will experience little nausea and burping when taking fish oil.
While there are some minor risks, they are very rare and the benefits of fish oil are well worth it.
Heat And Cold Patches
Heat and cold packs have been used to treat inflammation and pain for an exceptionally long period of time. In fact, a lot of doctors will recommend that their patients try cold or heat treatments, before agreeing to take prescription medication. These specific treatments are generally effective and there are no risks whatsoever, as long as you take a few precautions beforehand. Cold can help to reduce joint swelling and this will give you greater freedom of movement in your joints. Just be cautious and avoid overdoing it. Apply the cold pack for 15 minutes, before taking a 30-minute break.
With heat, you’ll be able to calm your muscles and increase blood flow to the impacted portion of the body. Heat is also safe, as long as you make sure the heat pack isn’t too warm. If it is, you could get burnt. Heat therapy can also be performed in the shower. If you have access to a hot tub, you should consider taking a daily dip in the water to calm your stiff muscles and joints.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a specific form of Chinese medicine that has been used for generations and generations. It is generally very safe, but only suitable for those that can tolerate the sight of needles. Very little research has been conducted regarding the impact of acupuncture on rheumatoid arthritis. Nevertheless, it tends to work exceptionally well for other types of pain. Therefore, it is definitely well worth trying.
Get Plenty Of Rest
Many people do not like to take rest breaks, because they feel the need to get as much done as possible in one day. While you may like to live your life on the go, it is crucial to take time for rest. If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, you will require more frequent breaks than compared to someone healthy. Getting eight hours of sleep each night is a great place to start, but you will also need to take a nap during the day, preferably during the afternoon hours.
If you are having difficulty sleeping throughout the night, you may want to consult with your primary care physician. All forms of arthritis are extremely painful and debilitating in many cases. Pain can disturb the sleeping pattern, so you may need a prescription or over-the-counter pain medicine to relieve the pain. Once your pain is under control, you should be able to sleep throughout the night.
If anxiety and stress are keeping you away at night, you should consider enveloping guided imagery, muscle relaxation exercises, and deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. Meditation, yoga, and hypnosis also work marvelously in helping to ease tension and stress.
Full Body Massage
Another natural remedy that helps in reducing the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The act of massaging will offer an array of physical and psychological benefits. However, individuals with rheumatoid arthritis should consult with their primary care physician before getting a full body massage. Once you are cleared for this treatment, you can start searching for a licensed massage parlor.
A full body massage is capable of increasing energy, improving focus, decreasing fatigue, improving sleep and relieving various forms of pain. The massage therapist will rub and manipulate the tendons, skin, ligaments, and muscles, which in turn will increase circulation to help the nutrients and oxygen to reach the organs and tissues. A massage also stimulates the lymphatic system, which will boost your immunity, so you can maintain good health.
Magnet Therapy
Many people with arthritis are relying on natural techniques and remedies to keep the symptoms linked to their condition to a minimum. Magnet therapy is growing in popularity, as people become more aware of it. Magnet therapy, also known as magnotherapy is basically a pseudoscientific alternative medicine that involves the use of powerful static magnetic fields.
Practitioners recommend this therapy to their patients with rheumatoid arthritis because it produces both electric and magnetic fields that relieve joint pain.
This post was written by a guest author.
AUTHOR BIO:
Bruce Kuster graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Biology and Health Science, he is also a coach and CrossFit lover, Bruce likes to share his passion for sport and nutrition on wealthformyhealth.com.
