The joints are the junction points at which bones come together. They contain cartilage, ligaments and tendons, and they are what makes movement possible. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that causes the joints to become damaged and deteriorated. Pain, inflammation, redness and stiffness can all take place as a result. Natural treatments can be used to improve your quality of life and prevent further damage.
Temperature
With rheumatoid arthritis, pain can be felt in the joints and the nearby muscles. Applying a heating pad set on low or a hot pack can help relieve the pain and ease your muscles if they are tense. You can also take a 15-minute hot bath or shower to get the same effect. Pain and muscle spasms that might develop, can be eased with cold treatments. These include ice massages, soaking in cold water and applying cold packs or bags of frozen vegetables.
Relaxation
Stress is not a cause of rheumatoid arthritis, but it can make the process of coping with pain difficult. To relieve your pain and stress levels, you can utilize relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, guided imagery, muscle relaxation and tai chi.
Movement
Being that exercise involves joint movement, you might think it is not a good idea when you have rheumatoid arthritis. But in actuality, the contrary is true. It can help increase range of motion, improve energy levels and also strengthen the muscles that surround your joints. Exercise should be gentle and progressive. Start out with walking and then perform exercises like water aerobics, swimming and elliptical training. The important thing to remember is to not do anything that has a high impact, such as running and jumping motions. Perform this type of exercise on most days of the week for 30 to 60 minutes. You can also check with your local YMCA for water aerobics classes specifically set up for arthritis sufferers.
Devices
Assistive or "adaptive" devices are designed for people who have disabilities and cannot properly move, see or hear. When you have rheumatoid arthritis, daily functions like opening jars, turning doorknobs and gripping tools can be laborious and painful. You can use assistive devices to help facilitate any of these procedures (see Resources for assistive devices).
Protection
When you have rheumatoid arthritis, find ways to avoid excess pressure on your joints when you do daily tasks. For example, when you open doors, do not push on them if the joints in your hands or arms are sore. Lean into them with your whole body.
