The joints in the body act as the pivot points where bones come together and make movement possible. They consist of cartilage, ligaments, tendons and a shock-absorbing substance called synovial fluid. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes the joints to become deteriorated. There are several alternative treatments.
Significance
The body has white blood cells that act to destroy bacteria and viruses. In rheumatoid arthritis, the white blood cells attack the inner lining of the joints. Inflammation develops and proteins are released that cause damage to the connective tissue. The joints then become distorted, and even destroyed in the worst cases.
Function
Rheumatoid arthritis has no solidified cure. The idea with alternative treatments is to maintain mobility and have as productive a life as possible. This is done by with home remedies and lifestyle adjustments.
Exercise
You may not think of exercise as an alternative treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, but as long as it is gentle and non-impactful, it can help strengthen the muscles around the joints and fight fatigue. Walking and water exercises are two examples of this. There are even water aerobics classes specifically designed for arthritis.
Hot and Cold
Heat therapy can be used on the muscles around the joints to relieve tension and reduce pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. You can take hot showers or baths or apply a heating pad on a low setting or a hot pack to the affected area. Heat treatments should not be used if you have bad circulation.
Cold packs, soaking the affected joint in ice water or getting an ice massage can all be used to decrease muscle spasms and reduce pain sensations, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you have numbness in your joints or bad circulation, these treatments should not be used.
Relaxation
Relaxation activities can reduce daily stress and help you facilitate better coping strategies for pain. Examples of these include muscle relaxation, deep breathing, guided imagery and hypnosis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Oils
Plant oils and fish oils contain the essential fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) respectively. These are omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids which can be used to reduce stiffness and pain in the joints, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other than fish oil, they can be found in evening primrose and borage oil.
Arnica
Homeopathic remedies are used in place of pharmaceutical drugs to reduce inflammation, stiffness and pain. Examples of these include arnica, causticum, rhus toxicodendron, rhododendron and dulcamara, according to Holistic Online.
