Below Are Common Alternative Treatments For Rheumatoid Arthritis:
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a popular alternative treatment for people with fibromyalgia and , and it may also benefit rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the belief that everyone has an energy force called the Chi . When Chi is blocked or unbalanced, the body may respond with pain and illness. An acupuncturist aims to free up Chi channels, known as meridians, by inserting extremely thin needles into specific points in your bodyâs meridians.Based on your specific pain, the practitioner will likely insert multiple needles that remain in for about 20-40 minutes.It has also been suggested that acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins into the blood stream. Simply put, endorphins are your bodyâs natural pain relievers. As such, their release decreases your perception of pain.Similarly, electroacupuncture uses a needle hooked up to small wires that are connected to light electrical currents to stimulate your meridian points. Heat is often used as part of this therapy.
- Herbal Remedies: Herbal supplements are not proven to ease your RA symptoms, but you might find that they work for you. Some herbal supplements, such as devilâs claw, borage seed oil, white willow bark, and boswellia, are thought to decrease inflammation and pain.
Turmeric & Ginger Tea
Both, turmeric & ginger have anti-inflammatory characteristics and therefore, they assist with osteo & rheumatoid arthritis.
Turmeric has a compound called curcumin that acts as a potent antioxidant. Additionally, turmeric lessens the count of two enzymes that result in inflammation of joints.
The intake of these two substances could be increased or alternatively, they could be consumed as health supplements.
These two substances could also be made into a tea and sipped, for their beneficial effects to impact rheumatoid arthritis.
Complementary And Alternative Medicine For Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
12/19/2008
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that impacts joints and connective tissue. It is often painful and disabling, and usually requires lifelong pharmacological management. Patients are usually diagnosed between the ages of thirty and fifty, although RA affects all ages. Common co-morbidities include cardiovascular disease, cachexia , depression and impairments to quality of life . Although they have greatly improved the general course of RA, drugs that are commonly used to manage the disease carry some notable side effects as well.
For all of these reasons, patients with RA often look to Complementary and Alternative Medicine for additional sources of relief. In fact, joint pain and arthritis are among the top five most common reasons that Americans seek CAM . Usually, CAM is sought in addition to allopathic treatment to ease symptoms of the disease and side effects of drug therapy. Below is an outline of the currently available research for treatments that are commonly used by RA patients, as well as a synopsis of what may be recommended as safe and possibly effective for this population.
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How To Know If Your Ra Is Progressing
You will know your joints will tell you, Dr. Bhatt says. The pain will get worse and you could have more swelling. Dr. Lally says that although periods of pain may resolve on their own in early RA, these episodes tend to become more frequent and longer in duration until the classic features of RA persist. In addition, Dr. Bhatt says to pay attention to non-joint symptoms like increased shortness of breath or red, painful eyes, which could be signs the RA is affecting other systems in the body. Let your doctor know if your RA symptoms are changing at all.
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What Happens In A Joint Affected By Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system can cause inflammation inside a joint or a number of joints. Inflammation is normally an important part of how your immune system works. It allows the body to send extra fluid and blood to a part of the body under attack from an infection. For example, if you have a cut that gets infected, the skin around it can become swollen and a different colour.
However, in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, this inflammation in the joint is unnecessary and causes problems.
When the inflammation goes down, the capsule around the synovium remains stretched and cant hold the joint in its proper position. This can cause the joint to become unstable and move into unusual positions.
The following can play a part in why someone has rheumatoid arthritis:
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Alternate Remedies For Rheumatoid Arthritis
More and more people are moving toward homeopathic treatments instead of relying on overpriced prescription medications and costly surgeries many of which individuals, especially those without insurance, cannot afford. Not only that, many people are becoming wary of putting so many manufactured chemicals in their bodies on a regular basis. It seems like everything we ingest nowadays is somehow engineered instead of natural. Perhaps returning to nature is a better alternative than the usual go-to treatments. Well discuss the use and effectiveness of seven natural remedies for RA. Well also share what our research has found as far as success rates go.
1. CinnamonProponents of cinnamon in alleviating symptoms of RA contribute its healing powers to the anti-inflammatory qualities of cinnamon bark. In addition, cinnamon is noted to help with aches and pains, especially when they are worse with cold or cold weather.
The Problem? Cinnamon in large doses can be detrimental to your health. In addition, cinnamon has been found to have potential harmful effects to pregnant women and may negatively react with your bodys natural blood clotting as well as interacts with any blood thinning medications you are taking.
2. Willow BarkWillow bark, as the name quite literally says, is the bark off of willow trees. This bark has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties which assist with pain relief. In fact, it has very similar qualities to everyday aspirin.
How Is This Medication Given
Generally, hydroxychloroquine is given in 200 mg or 400 mg doses, once per day. Higher doses can sometimes be used, but only in adults and not for all cases. Some people tolerate this medication much better than other people, so it is important that individuals who are considering taking hydroxychloroquine talk with their doctor about the lowest necessary dose to reduce or eliminate their symptoms. They should also discuss any side effects that may appear, and focus on what they should do if they experience problems when taking this medication for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or another condition.
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Natural Remedies To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis At Home
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder of the inflammatory kind. It usually starts with affecting smaller joints like those on your fingers and toes, but can move up to your wrists, ankles, knees, hips, elbows and even shoulders.
It can ultimately lead to joint deformity or bone erosion. The statistics coming from CDC say that back in 2007, over 1.5 million Americans were affected by this disease.
Some further information is that this disease can more commonly be found in women than in men, and is usually diagnosed after 40.
Still, there are some cases where young people, and even children, can develop it. There are plenty of risk factors, among which: smoking, genetics, chronic periodontal disease and exposure to silica mineral.
Rheumatoid Arthritis has plenty of symptoms, which can come and go randomly. When ones tissues are inflamed, this is when this disease shows its ugly face and leads to:
- Morning stiffness
- Joint and muscle aches
Once the inflammation subsides in your tissues, the disease becomes inactive again, and any symptoms youve had will disappear for the time being.
Try A Proven System For Quick Rheumatoid Arthritis Cure
However, experts feel that most home remedies meant to treat rheumatoid arthritis will take a very long time before any reverse in the condition is noted.
The program called The Paddison Program for Rheumatoid Arthritis brought forth by Clint Paddison, reveals the actual underlying body conditions that trigger RA in a person, the 5 essential principles of rheumatoid arthritis treatment, and natural methods that will help in eliminating most symptoms associated with RA without having to resort to medication use.
More valuable information is made available within the program that no professional experts will ever reveal about curing this painful condition.
A program meant for curing rheumatoid arthritis in any individual, no matter how serious their condition is or how long they have been suffering from it, is now made available.
Get your very own copy immediately, and look forward to leading a better life, free from pain.
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What Types Of Lifestyle Changes Can Help With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Having a lifelong illness like rheumatoid arthritis may make you feel like you dont have much control over your quality of life. While there are aspects of RA that you cant control, there are things you can do to help you feel the best that you can.
Such lifestyle changes include:
Rest
When your joints are inflamed, the risk of injury to your joints and nearby soft tissue structures is high. This is why you need to rest your inflamed joints. But its still important for you to exercise. Maintaining a good range of motion in your joints and good fitness overall are important in coping with RA.
Exercise
Pain and stiffness can slow you down. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis become inactive. But inactivity can lead to a loss of joint motion and loss of muscle strength. These, in turn, decrease joint stability and increase pain and fatigue.
Regular exercise can help prevent and reverse these effects. You might want to start by seeing a physical or occupational therapist for advice about how to exercise safely. Beneficial workouts include:
- Range-of-motion exercises to preserve and restore joint motion.
- Exercises to increase strength.
- Exercises to increase endurance .
Cultivate A Healing Mindset
Making food and lifestyle changes isnt easy. In fact its very hard. It takes time, preparation and dedication to focus on the goal of becoming pain-free and BELIEVING it can happen. I followed stories of people who had walked this path before me and knew that it was possible. This helped motivate me on the hard days.
I also tried to reframe the illness by seeing the symptoms as information my body was giving me. I used it like a compass to guide me in the direction that reduced pain and inflammation.
What you focus on expands. Focus on Healing.
The mind is a powerful tool which can be harnessed to help heal. I used healing visualizations and affirmations and expressed gratitude each day for the evidence of healing in my body. As the expression goes: what you focus on expands. I wanted my body to heal so that, rather than the pain, was my focus.
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National Institute Of Arthritis And Musculoskeletal And Skin Diseases
The mission of NIAMS is to support research into the causes, treatment, and prevention of arthritis and musculoskeletal and skin diseases the training of basic and clinical scientists to carry out this research and the dissemination of information on research progress in these diseases.
Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-877-22-NIAMS
Website:
Rheumatoid Arthritis Wrist Pain & Tips On How To Control It
When rheumatoid arthritis sets in, both wrists may become swollen, red, and very warm.
You may have difficulty bending your wrists back.
Stiffness will occur, usually in the morning, and it may take a couple of hours to work that stiffness out.
When rheumatoid arthritis becomes advanced, the wrists may become deformed as the bones lose their ability to move against each other.
These deformities affect the biomechanics of your hands, compromising your ability to grasp and carry objects, open doors, hold a pen, and many other tasks.
Keeping your hands ready for functional tasks can be difficult, especially when wrist pain radiates to your fingers.
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Top 25 Supplements You Need To Know About
We are all biochemically unique, and consequently no single regimen will work equally well for one and all. One or a combination of the following nutritional supplements is generally effective for most people afflicted with arthritis.
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS Long before supplements like glucosamine sulfate became household names for reversing osteoarthritis, millions of people found great relief from joint pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion by swallowing cod liver oil daily. Cod liver oil works. It continues to help reverse osteoarthritis naturally, and is, I believe, first-line therapy for any inflammatory condition. Cod liver oil, halibut liver oil, krill oil, seal oil, salmon oil and shark liver oil all contain fats that stimulate the body to manufacture anti-inflammatory hormones called prostaglandins. These fats, referred to as eicosapentaenoic acid , are found in large amounts in cold water fish , and are highly effective as natural anti-inflammatory agents. Good results can be anticipated in three to six months. When the above are combined with glucosamine sulfate, osteoarthritis can be significantly improved within six weeks or less. Typical therapeutic dosages are 9 to 12 grams daily of capsules or two to three tablespoons of the oil. Dosage: 9 to 12 grams daily of capsules, or 2 to 3 tablespoons of the oil.
VITAMIN C Vitamin C has been proven to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Dosage: 6,000 mgs or more daily to bowel tolerance
REFERENCES
Spend Time With People Who Support You
I felt best when I was with people who cared about me, so I did more of that. I also tried to connect with other people who had rheumatoid arthritis.
When I couldnt find a local rheumatoid arthritis support group, I started one. Being connected to a community of people who understood what I was going through really helped. It removed those feelings of isolation and self-pity that can sabotage healing.
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Become Educated In Natural Healing
I read everything I could find to learn about healing from rheumatoid arthritis naturally. There are plenty of books, podcasts, and websites dedicated to healing autoimmune disease. I watched documentaries on health and healing. I even enrolled in a functional medicine health coaching program to I could really immerse myself in the science!
When Ra Goes Untreated: Long
If RA is left untreated in the long-term, it can affect not just your quality of life, but the duration of it, too. Persistent inflammation can lead to a shorter lifespan, Pisetsky explains.
Uncontrolled RA can also increase your risk for heart disease, because RA-related inflammation not only affects the joints, but also the heart. This inflammation can also contribute to narrowing of your blood vessels, according to the AF, which allows plaque to build up.
People who have RA have as much as twice as high a risk for heart disease as the general population, notes the Arthritis Foundation. According to a study published in May 2022 in Arthritis & Rheumatology, the link between RA and heart problems heightens the importance of monitoring and managing heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and being sedentary. Overall, the more advanced your RA, the greater your risk for heart damage.
Moreover, untreated RA can affect more than just your joints and your heart with complications ranging from skin issues, to bone thinning, to eye complications, and beyond.
That said, following a regular treatment plan that helps slow the progression of your RA can help protect your joints, your heart, your overall health and well-being and your life.
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What Are The Factors I Should Consider When Choosing A Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
The American College of Rheumatology has published guidelines for RA treatment that can help you and your rheumatologist come up with a treatment plan together. Know that your treatment choice will depend on things like how long youve had symptoms, the severity of your symptoms, and how many joints are affected. For example, early RA will be approached differently than established RA.
Also, rheumatologists have different scoring systems to determine if your RA is mild, moderate, or severe. The scores take into account how many joints are painful and swollen, markers of inflammation in your bloodwork, and how you are feeling overall.
The following is a summary of what the guidelines suggest:
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Treatment should begin with a DMARD, usually methotrexate.
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If methotrexate is not enough, another DMARD, TNF inhibitor, or other biologic should be used. Methotrexate can be continued or not, although many experts prefer that the people they are treating continue using it if possible.
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TNF inhibitors and other biologics are preferred over tofacitinib, except in people with established RA.
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If a TNF inhibitor does not work well enough, switching classes is recommended. This strategy has been shown to be more effective than trying another TNF inhibitor.
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NSAIDs and glucocorticoids should be used for a short time when needed for flares.
Ra Risk Factors Include:
- Poor diet:Not surprisingly, eating inflammatory foods like sugar, refined carbohydrates, and fried food.
- Allergies: Similarly, food allergies can trigger inflammation.
- Poor gut health: When the lining of the gut is damaged, inflammation can enter the bloodstream. This condition is called leaky gut syndrome: a condition also makes it difficult to absorb nutrients.
- Toxicity:Exposure to environmental toxins, like air pollution and plastics, can cause hormone imbalances.
- Smoking:This shouldnt come as a surprise, but tobacco and marijuana smoke promote inflammation.
- Genetic factors: Some people are more likely to develop RA because of family history.
- Obesity:In the long run, obesity increases the risk of RA, especially if it starts at a young age.
- In the end, any of these factors can trigger destructive chemicals to attack joint tissue. Over time, these chemicals wear down the cartilage that cushions the joints.
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