Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis Naturally

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic progressive joint disease. The disease arises from the joint membrane, which starts to proliferate and affects both the cartilage and the surrounding bone.

The smaller joints in the hands and feet are especially affected. The joint capsule gradually becomes inflamed and swollen. As the condition progresses, the bones that connect to the joint can become damaged and show erosion.

This is in contrast to osteoarthritis, which mainly causes damage to the cartilage. This article describes how to treat rheumatoid arthritis naturally.

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid  arthritis?

The main and most painful symptom is the very painful swelling or inflammation in the joints.  The joints of the wrists, shoulders, elbows, hands, fingers, feet, toes, hips, ankles and knees are especially affected.

Stiffness can also be very bad, especially in the morning or after sitting still for a while. This typical morning stiffness can sometimes last more than half an hour.

Many patients with rheumatoid arthritis have rheumatoid nodules near the affected joints, making the condition easily recognizable. They are the typical subcutaneous bumps on the hands and feet or inside the body. Deformity of the joints often develops after a few months or years.

Additional symptoms that patients with rheumatoid arthritis may exhibit are fever, fatigue, dryness of the mucous membranes in the mouth and eyes, neck pain and annoying tingling in the hands and feet.

Tips for a natural treatment

Borage seed oil is a good source of omega 6 fatty acids and may be helpful for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Research has shown that a daily supplement can help relieve joint pain caused by this condition.

Movement is essential to keep the joints flexible, but avoid exercises that put too much strain on the body. Ideal are the low impact, aerobic forms of exercise such as swimming, walking or stretching.

The body can feel painful during the first few days, but perseverance is the message. The body quickly gets used to the daily moment of movement and will soon feel more flexible, less painful and stiff.

Have a doctor verify that there is no underlying allergy causing the condition. It has already been shown that an allergy to dairy products or wheat can be a trigger and that eliminating these foods from the daily diet often relieves symptoms or even eliminates them altogether.

It is also recommended to eat certain foods more often to relieve pain. Blue fish such as mackerel, tuna and sardines, which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and anti-inflammatory, preferably in combination with vegetable oils such as linseed oil, rapeseed oil, olive oil and walnut oil, which contain similar properties, are very good.

Dried fruits and nuts such as dates, pistachios, walnuts and almonds are also on this list, but remember that they are high in calories and should be eaten in moderation.

Green leafy vegetables, Swiss chard, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, for their high antioxidant content, which neutralize the free radicals in the body and of course fruits rich in vitamin C, such as orange, kiwi, strawberries and mandarins.

Even more useful tips

Cold compresses

Cold compresses on joints reduce swelling and inflammation. We recommend ice packs for this, which you can apply directly to the affected body parts for up to fifteen minutes.

Wait half an hour to apply another compress if desired. Be careful as ice can easily burn the skin. Therefore always wrap ice in a cloth or towel.

Warmth

Heat relaxes the muscles. There are thermal cushions that switch on electrically and give off heat to painful parts of the body. But also cloths soaked in hot water can easily release their heat on any desired part of the body.

Also consider a warm foot bath to relieve the soreness in your ankles or a warm, relaxing bath to relax and unwind the entire body.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness as a complement to classical medicine has been shown to reduce stress and improve the quality of sleep, allowing for better symptom control.

Good breathing

Good breathing is no longer necessary these days. According to alternative medicine, breathing in and out deeply and completely from the abdominal area is said to be mentally supportive in coping with the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, reducing stress and draining feelings of anger and tension from the body.

Relaxation and Concentration Techniques

Learn relaxation and concentration techniques to relax each muscle group in the body individually. Start with your attention at the top of the head and move down to the neck and arms, back, abdomen and pelvis, hips, legs and feet.

Stay focused on each muscle group for a moment. Release tension without falling asleep, however. You can perform this technique both lying down and sitting, wherever you are.

Meditation

Meditation has been shown to successfully slow the heart rate and relieve pain. The ability to concentrate and self-awareness increases, so that people are better able to deal with feelings of depression, anxiety and anger.

The seated position also encourages the opening of the hip joint and relaxation of the leg muscles, while the hands resting loosely on the knees can bring balance to the shoulder joint.

Yoga and tai chi

Start with yoga or tai chi, two Eastern forms of exercise that can be safely practiced by patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The movements are fluid and not difficult to perform, yet have a strengthening effect on the whole body and significantly increase the range of motion of the stiff limbs.

The spiritual aspect of yoga or tai chi increases self-awareness and concentration, which can increase resilience to pain and discomfort.