This article will outline the alternative treatments available for RA and how they may benefit you.
Some of the most common options are listed below.
Doing so can help you avoid potentially harmful side effects.
Jacques Hugo / Getty Images
Because of this, it has the potential to inhibit some rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
As a result, this substance is generally not recommended to treat RA.
Turmeric (Curcumin)
Curcuminis the active ingredient inthe spice turmeric.
This potent substance has been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
When used with spice ginger, this mixture was found to reduce the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Drinking teas with this chemical may also help inhibit disease activity and prevent recurrent rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups.
Fish Oil Supplements
Initial research studies have foundsome benefitsto using fish oil supplements for rheumatoid arthritis.
Unregulated supplements may also contain high amounts of mercury and should be taken with caution.
In addition, initial research has shown that takingvitamin D supplementsmay actually help toregulate your bodys immune response.
These specialized treatments may be useful complements to more traditional interventions when addressing the symptoms of this condition.
Unfortunately, the evidence supporting this treatment in people with rheumatoid arthritis is still lacking.
Massage
Initial research studies have shown thatmassage therapymay be beneficial for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Interestingly, the same study found moderate pressure strokes were more advantageous than a massage with light pressure.
Homeopathy
Homeopathyis an alternative medicine that believes in like cures like.
Because of this, the use of homeopathy is not currently recommended.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapyis considered to be an effective treatment for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
They can also prescribe stretching exercises that help maximize your overall mobility.
Because of this mechanism of action, it has been suggested as a possible treatment for RA.
Some of the most useful changes and strategies are listed below.
This technique, along withfocused deep breathingroutines, may help lower your immune response and ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
As with most things, however, consistency is the key to maximizing the benefits of these techniques.
However, tai chi was not shown to significantly affect joint swelling, pain, or overall function.
Further evidence is needed to prove or disprove the advantages of practicing this activity with rheumatoid arthritis.
As with most alternative treatments, however, more high-quality trials are still needed to confirm these benefits.
This is because heat can help make muscles more flexible and the tissue surrounding a joint more pliable.
It is important, however, to avoid the use of heat on an acutely inflamed joint.
This is because cold causes the blood vessels in the area to narrow or constrict.
It also can inhibit muscle firing and alleviate painful spasms.
Care should be taken to avoid frostbite or skin burns in areas of reduced sensation.
Special Diets
Modifying your diet may help reduce the symptoms of RA.
This is especially true during an RA flare-up when your joints are swollen or tender.
Read more about the most common ones in the section below.
These medications are sold under several brand names includingFlector,Voltaren, andPennsaid.
Several studies have found this practice to be beneficial for people with RA.
Summary
There are a plethora of alternative treatments available which may be useful for rheumatoid arthritis.
This can include herbs and supplements, specialized services, lifestyle modifications, and over-the-counter products.
Typically, these natural remedies are meant to be complementary and should be used alongside more traditional treatments.
A Word From Verywell
Rheumatoid arthritis can be a frustrating disease to cope with.
Not only are its symptoms debilitating at times, but they can also reoccur without warning throughout your life.
The advantages of others, like magnet therapy or acupuncture, are still not clear.
Most alternative therapies are not able to reverse the damage from rheumatoid arthritis.
Instead, these treatments help to reduce some of the symptoms associated with the disease.
This can include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and diminished grip strength.
2017;4:52. doi:10.3389/fnut.2017.00052
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.Rheumatoid arthritis: complementary and alternative medicine options.
2019;57(6):320-325. doi:10.5114/reum.2019.90825
Hoffman JL.
Everything old is new again: a review of current complementary and alternative medicine trends.Holistic Nursing Practice.
2021;35(6):300-305. doi:10.1097/HNP.0000000000000481
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center.Rehabilitation management for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Dong Y, Cao W, Cao J.Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by phototherapy: advances and perspectives.Nanoscale.
2021;13(35):14591-14608.
Arthritis Foundation:Types of meditation for arthritis.
Arthritis Foundation.Progressive muscle relaxation.
Arthritis Foundation.Guidedimagery for arthritis pain.Updated 2021.
Penn Medicine.Sevenfoods to help you fight arthritis.Updated May 30, 2018.
Arthritis Foundation.Rheumatoid arthritis: causes, symptoms, treatments.
Arthritis Foundation.Topical NSAIDs offer joint pain relief.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Support data pipe.RA essential oils: what essential oils are anti-inflammatory?
2013;11(1):3-18. doi:10.1002/msc.1028
