Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you know what it feels like to live with stiffness and pain in your joints and muscles. Rheumatoid arthritis, also referred to as RA, is an inflammatory autoimmune disease, which means the immune system attacks the body instead of protecting it. RA tends to effect more women than men and the onset of RA typically starts in middle age. RA tends to affect the wrist and fingers, although it can hinder the functionality of any joint in the body.

Women who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis typically recieve a standard variety of treatments to ease pain and help restore joint function.. Medications may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, biological response modifiers and corticosteroids. RA patients may also try physical therapy, modified exercise programs and therapeutic devices such as splints to ease physical stress on the joints. Patients can also ease symptoms through proper rest, diet, and reducing emotional stress.

Alternative therapies can be useful in treating pain and inflammation. Meditation, relaxation and tai chi are methods used to ease arthritis pain. Patients may also try fish oil, which contains omega-3 fatty acids.  Acupuncture and balneotherapy, bathing in heated tap or mineral water, may also be effective in easing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Some RA patients try a different diet to help ease pain and inflammation. Vegetarian, vegan and Mediterranean diets are often the diets of choice, as well as fasting. However, people tend to burn out on the strictness of these diets over time, and can alsp put themselves at risk for nutritional deficiencies.

Patients should be careful not to abandon conventional medicine for alternate therapies. Also, alternate therapies could interfere or interact with one’s medical treatment plan. It’s important to consult your physician before starting any alternative remedies for rheumatoid arthritis.

For the full article, visit Lifescript.com, a women’s health web site.

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