Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis is a medical condition that is an outcome of what happens, when the bone joints undergo wear and tear, leading to erosion of bones and then to deformities. This disorder is more of an autoimmune disorder, which is common in women than men and usually happens to strike the age group 40 - 60. In cases, where the bone joints get severely damaged, surgical means are adopted. So what are the various rheumatoid arthritis treatment options? Keep reading to know more...

Rheumatoid Arthritis Natural Treatment

Before we understand the natural ways of curing this disorder, let's take a quick look at the causes and symptoms. This disorder is caused by an autoimmune system, which suddenly attacks the lining of the bones (synovium). Gradually, the cartilage starts getting affected and the tendons and the ligaments weaken, causing the bone joint to misalign and deform. Studies and research on this disorder, illustrate that genetic components are more likely to cause rheumatoid arthritis, though other causes like viruses, bacteria and environmental reasons cannot be ruled out. The first symptoms show up with a stinging joint pain and swelling with a feeling of tenderness. Gradually, the hands become red and puffy, with firm bumps erupting under the skin. People suffering from this disorder often suffer from bouts of fever, morning stiffness, fatigue and weight loss.

So is there a cure for rheumatoid arthritis? Well, sadly there is no cure for this disorder, except that medications and prescription drugs are given to subdue the inflammation of bone joints. But well, where medications do not show much effect, natural methods work! So here are some natural ways of rheumatoid arthritis treatment by which the symptoms of this disorder can be reduced.

Using Hot and Cold Compress
A hot or a cold compress is used to palliate the joint swelling and inflammation. In case of cold treatment, apply the cold compress for about 15 minutes. There should be a 30 minute break before the next round of cold compress. A heat compress is also used, which helps in muscle relaxation and stimulating blood flow. Microwave hot packs are also used. And yes, steam bath or a warm soak (with some Epsom salt) are also effective remedies for curing the symptoms of this disorder. However, hot tub is not a very good option for people having high blood pressure, cardiovascular ailments and for pregnant women.

Magnetic Therapy
Another alternative treatment option is using magnets for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Magnetic therapies make use of bracelets, necklaces, pads, disks and inserts. This therapy has shown significant results in people suffering from osteoarthritis (usually associated with aging). Medical research says that magnets help in subduing the joint pain and swelling, specially in people who suffer from knee or hip arthritis.

Alternate Therapies
Rheumatoid arthritis alternative treatments include mind and body therapies, of which major ones are listed below:

• Deep breathing exercises (help in controlling stress hormones and slows down the heartbeat during stress)
• Progressive muscle relaxation (muscle exercises that help in contraction and relaxation of muscles from head to toe)
• Yoga and meditation (helps in strengthening bones and relieving stress)
• Acupuncture and using acupressure mats (Chinese technique of stimulating pressure points and channeling qi (body energy) in the body)
• Tai chi (healing martial art technique used in healing chronic pain caused by arthritis and other cardiovascular conditions)

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Diet

Diet plays an important role in improving the health condition. So people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis need to follow a certain diet. Again, it is important to remember that rheumatoid arthritis diet cure is not a remedy for the disorder, but helps in mitigating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, like joint pain and swelling. It has been observed that regulation of fat levels in the body can aid in controlling the inflammation in the bone joints. Omega 3 fatty acids play a major role in extenuating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Some of the foods that aid in rheumatoid arthritis pain relief are:

• Fish (salmon, mackerel and herring) and fish oils
• Cod liver oil
• Walnuts and their oil
• Soybeans and their oil
• Avocado and its oil
• Borage seed oil (in limited quantities)
• Thunder God vine (not for pregnant women though)
• Fresh leafy vegetables
• Whole grains
• Fresh vegetables and fruit juices
• Herbal tea (like green tea, with a pinch of lemon)
• Soups and broths

Apart from the above foods included in rheumatoid arthritis diet, there are some foods that one needs to avoid too. Avoid taking beverages, dairy products, foods with more saturated fats and excessive salt, refined wheat, fried foods, citrus fruits and processed foods. Do NOT use saturated oils for cooking. The best cooking oil substitute is olive oil, which has more unsaturated fat, which is best for treating this condition. This is because, people who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are most susceptible to heart conditions. Herbs for rheumatoid arthritis can also be included in the diet, which not only serves the purpose of treating early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis but also adds flavor to the food.

Other Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Options

Other treatment options include prescription drugs which are used for stalling the symptoms of this disorder. However, many of these drugs have potential side effects. Although they help in reducing the swelling of bone joints and preventing further bone damage, their side effects are too grave to ignore. Doctors usually prescribe the following rheumatoid arthritis medications, with least side effects. Scroll through to have a look!

• Non steroidal inflammatory drugs (Advil, Motrin, Naproxen sodium, with side effects of increased bruising, gastric ulcers and liver and kidney problems)
• Steroids (Corticosteroid medications like prednisone and methylprednisolone with side effects of weight gain, diabetes, cataracts and bone thinning)
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine and minocycline, with side effects of liver damage, lung infection and bone marrow suppression)
• Immunosuppressants (zathioprine, cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide with side effects of weakening the immune system)
• TNF alpha Inhibitors (etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab, with side effects of congestive heart failure, blood disorders and lymphoma)

Other drugs like anakinra, abatacept and rituximab are also prescribed to target inflammatory responses of the body. However, it is evident that natural rheumatoid arthritis treatments, although slow and less effective than drugs, are better anytime, as they do not pose potential side effects, which end up compromising the immune system of the body. To prevent such disorders, one must follow a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and an engaging physical regime right from a young age, as this disorder happens to strike people who have crossed 40. Hope this article was informative!