Alternative Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapies

Introduction

Arthritis is commonly understood as a disease that makes movements difficult for the elderly. Rheumatoid arthritis is much more than that. It affects the lining present in the joints of the bones, causing swelling, which subsequently causes bone erosions and deformities. It affects more than one joint simultaneously. In some instances, it affects the entire body, including the skin and eyes, as well as major organs such as the heart and lungs.

Taking medications on a daily basis for a prolonged period of time is tiresome, to begin with. An alternative that can benefit as much as medicines with the added benefit of zero side effects sounds too good to be true. However, this is a possibility for certain diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis is one such disease. This article elaborates in detail about alternative treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.

What Does Alternative Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy Mean?

Rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured permanently, so drugs need to be consumed regularly for the rest of one's life to gain relief for a suffering individual. Unfortunately, these drugs have severe side effects with prolonged use. This is where complementary and alternative medicine in rheumatoid arthritis comes into play. Alternative therapeutics are implemented to ease daily movements for an extended period without the risk of side effects. Alternative therapies for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are non-drug methods that can help ease symptoms. People often use these alongside standard treatments. Here are a few examples of alternative therapies for RA:

• Mind-body Exercises: Yoga, Pilates, and tai chi emphasize gentle movements, stretching, breathing, and meditation.

• Supplements: Ingredients like fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and thunder god vine might help reduce pain and stiffness. Borage seed oil is a plant-based oil that has been shown to help reduce joint swelling and tenderness if taken along with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It must be used cautiously based on a doctor’s advice.

• Healthy Eating: Sticking to a Mediterranean diet or eating anti-inflammatory foods can be helpful.

• Relaxation Techniques: Progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, and deep breathing can aid relaxation.

• Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese method may help lower substances that cause joint swelling.

• Vegetarian or Vegan Diets: Some studies indicate that these diets could help reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

• Hydrotherapy: Water therapy can also be practiced at home through warm baths or warm compresses. Hydrotherapy offers several advantages for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including symptom relief, enhancement of comfort, and promotion of overall well-being.

• Mediterranean Diet - This diet includes fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, grains, and fish, which are rich in antioxidants and chemicals that help reduce inflammation in the body.

• Homeopathy: Homeopathic approaches to treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are occasionally employed to reduce pain, inflammation, and rigidity.

• Yoga - As the disease progresses, rheumatoid arthritis affects all joints of the body. The condition of the body can be best judged by the doctor after the examination. On the doctor’s advice, informing the yoga instructor in detail about the condition is important. Studies have shown certain poses and stretches of yoga do relieve the stiffness and pain related to arthritis, but this has to be done under strict supervision. For individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, yoga can help with improved flexibility and functionality of the joints, as well as help calm and relax, which directly benefits the body's overall healing.

• Meditation - RA may take a toll on mental health due to the limitations that it may cause. These mental disturbances can be controlled with the help of meditation. There are various mediation techniques. Some of them are yoga breathing exercises and mindfulness-based stress reduction.

• Tai Chi - It is a form of Chinese martial art that involves low-impact, slow-motion exercises that relax the muscles, do not require extreme bending of joints, and do not stretch the connective tissues. All of this is beneficial for an individual suffering from arthritis. Practicing Tai Chi can help improve flexibility, muscle strength, and mood. However, no relevant studies have proven that Tai Chi relieves pain and swelling from arthritis. An individual may practice Tai Chi on a doctor’s advice and under the supervision of a trained professional for the other benefits that Tai Chi offers.

• Acupuncture - It is a practice where an acupuncturist uses fine needles at the body’s pressure points to help relax the muscles of the area. It may help to relieve pain but not necessarily the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis. It has been shown to have beneficial effects when done along with medications.

• Herbs and Supplements - Certain herbal remedies and supplements could help lower swelling and reduce pain. Examples include boswellia, cat's claw, thunder god vine, and turmeric. While these herbs are natural, they may cause side effects or affect other medications.

• Magnets- Patients suffering from arthritis often use magnets to help ease their pain. A review highlighted a trial involving rheumatoid arthritis patients who had persistent knee pain. This trial found that two kinds of magnetic treatments led to a notable decrease in pain. However, there was no group without magnet treatment to compare results. Although magnets have been helpful for other pain conditions, additional studies are necessary to verify their safety and effectiveness for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

• Aromatherapy - In aromatherapy, fragrant plant oils can be applied to the skin. It can be done by massage or inhalation. Due to a lack of study, it is unclear if aromatherapy is effective for RA. However, research indicates that it may improve mood and ease pain.

• Biofeedback - This method teaches how to regulate bodily functions (blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle tension) that are not typically within human control. Biofeedback can be learned at a medical facility, physical therapy clinic, or at home with a computer. According to studies, it may ease discomfort and improve mobility.

• Heat and Cold - Heat and cold therapy is a widely used natural remedy for RA pain. In this heat is used to relax stiff joints and improve blood flow. Cold is applied to reduce inflammation and acute pain during flare-ups. The key principle is to use heat for stiffness and cold for swelling.

Conclusion

RA does not have a permanent cure. Complementary and alternative medicine for RA has a very broad range of options. The measures help ease the pain, relax muscles, and reduce swelling and tenderness. In addition, studies have shown that it benefits stressed individuals as well. However, care must be taken to follow complementary and alternative measures only on the advice of the doctor to avoid complications to one’s health.