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Home Therapy Tips for Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain and Inflammation

By HERWriter
 
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Home methods to soothe rheumatoid arthritis iStockphoto/Thinkstock

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) “rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium.”

The Arthritis Foundation stated that the synovium is a lubricating membrane surrounding your joints and tendons.

This chronic disease causes inflammation as well as pain and swelling. Some of the areas of the body most affected by RA include the wrists, fingers, knees, feet, ankles and elbows.

If you suffer from RA there are various medications prescribed by your doctor to ease your pain and suffering. But there are also some easy at home tips you can use to temporarily relieve pain.

The following warming techniques to relieve rheumatoid arthritis pain are recommended by the Arthritis Foundation:

• Buy a moist heat pad from the drugstore, or make one at home by putting a wet wash cloth in a freezer bag and heating it in the microwave for one minute. Wrap the hot pack in a towel and place it over the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes.

• To soothe stiff and painful joints in your hands, apply mineral oil to your hands, put on rubber dishwashing gloves, and place your hands in hot tap water for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Take a long and very warm shower first thing in the morning to ease rheumatoid arthritis pain. Heat from the shower stream helps reduce morning stiffness.

• Incorporate other warming elements into your daily routines, such as warming your clothes in the dryer before dressing or using an electric blanket and turning it up before getting out of bed.

• Soak in a warm bath or whirlpool. By immersing yourself in heat, pain will melt away.

The UMMC recommended the following supplements to help relieve inflammation and pain. Please contact your doctor or health care practitioner before you take any supplements. Supplements may cause a negative reaction with other medications you may be prescribed.

Bromelain (500 mg - 2,000 mg three times daily)

This enzyme derived from pineapples may help reduce inflammation and pain. Bromelain increases the risk of bleeding, especially if you also take blood thinners such as clopidogrel (Plavix), warfarin (Coumadin) or aspirin. People with stomach ulcers should avoid bromelain.

Turmeric is sometimes combined with bromelain because it makes the effects of bromelain stronger.

Folic acid

People who take methotrexate for RA may need additional folic acid because methotrexate makes it hard for the body to absorb folic acid.

Gamma linolenic acid (GLA)

Gamma linolenic acid is found in borage oil, evening primrose oil, and black currant seed oil. It can be taken at a dose of 1.1 g - 2.6 g daily. GLA may help reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling. People with a history of seizures should not take GLA.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil, may be taken in doses of up to 2.6 g daily. According to the UMMC, Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce inflammation.

Vitamin E
One study suggested that taking vitamin E along with standard medications for rheumatoid arthritis may help reduce pain -- but not inflammation -- better than standard medications alone.

References:

Arthritis Disease Center l Disease Definitions l Arthritis Disease and Related Conditions. Arthritis Foundation | Symptoms Treatments | Prevention Tips | Pain Relief Advice. Retrieved August 19, 2012, from
http://www.arthritis.org/rheumatoid-arthritis.php

Joint Health | Joint Safety | Arthritis Today Magazine. Arthritis | Arthritis Today Magazine | Arthritis Foundation. Retrieved August 19, 2012, from
http://www.arthritistoday.org/treatments/self-treatments/joint-health.php

Warming Techniques to Relieve Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain. Arthritis Disease Center. Arthritis Today Magazine. Arthritis | Arthritis Foundation. Retrieved August 19, 2012, from
http://www.arthritistoday.org/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/pain-and-fatigue/warming-techniques-rheumatoid-arthritis-pain.php

Rheumatoid arthritis. University of Maryland Medical Center | Home. Retrieved August 19, 2012, from
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/rheumatoid-arthritis-000142.htm#ixzz23jSyDsHe
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/rheumatoid-arthritis-000142.htm#ixzz243EAKsm7

Reviewed August 20, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

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