Whether you’re a new sufferer of rheumatoid arthritis or you’ve had the disease for a while, you should know that there are other treatments available other than those that your doctor recommends.

This idea may make you a little uneasy. After all, even as children we’re taught that going to your doctor when you’re sick is something that is prudent to do.

And anyone who has ever experienced rheumatoid arthritis can tell you that rheumatoid arthritis is definitely an illness. It causes fatigue, joint swelling and inflammation, as well as a myriad of other symptoms. However, those doctor recommended treatments may cause you more harm than good.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

When your doctor examines you for rheumatoid arthritis and recommends a treatment program, you’ll probably find yourself facing steroid injections or some other form of medication that’s designed to reduce the symptoms and give you the much needed comfort you desire.

However, these treatments are often toxic to humans if used for long periods of time. That means that you’re better off finding rheumatoid arthritis natural remedies to help you find relief.

Diet

When it comes to your diet, what you eat has a lot to do with the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms you suffer from. By changing your diet in several ways, you can reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis and you can hopefully get back to living your life normally.

The changes you can make include eliminating those foods from your diet that come from animals. These include chicken, beef, eggs and even milk.

Basically, you’ll want to reduce the amount of protein in your diet. You’ll also want to eliminate anything processed with partially hydrogenated oils. What you should include in your diet is more cold water fish, omega-3 fatty acid and you can even take fish oil tablets.

By eating healthier, you should find yourself feeling better and more able to take on the day. You may even feel your rheumatoid arthritis fatigue diminishing so that you can have more energy for anything that may arise.

Exercise

However, rheumatoid arthritis natural remedies don’t just include what you put into your body. It also includes what you do with your body, namely getting more exercise.

A good exercise routine will strengthen your muscles and joints and will reduce the inflammation usually associated with the disease.

A good weight lifting program with light weights or just body weight exercises can do wonders for your strength. Also, you’ll want to remember to stretch as that will make your joints stronger and your body more flexible.

Go Easy

Make sure, however, that you stay away from heavy weight lifting or jogging, as these can make your problem worse. Instead, try walking, biking, swimming or you can even use one of those gym cardio machines.

You’ll find that taking care of your body via these rheumatoid arthritis natural remedies will cause you to not only feel better, but it will reduce the pain, inflammation, fatigue and many other symptoms generally associated with this debilitating disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment doesn’t have to be solely medication. These lifestyle strategies are all natural ways of coping with RA fatigue, an often overwhelming symptom of the disease.

Exploring Other Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Options

Rheumatoid arthritis results when the white blood cells in the immune system destroy the good cells in the body instead of foreign body. Gradually, the affected cells release fluids that damage the tissues and cells in the joints. In acute stages, some organs like the spleen and liver also gets affected.

Corticosteroid Medications

A stronger first-line drug given to rheumatoid arthritis patients includes oral or injected corticosteroids. Although the chances of enhanced joint mobility and function is often achieved, there are serious side effects that may also occur.

High doses of these drugs for a long period of time increases the likelihood that issues may arise, such as muscle wasting, facial puffiness, and weight gain.

Taking DMARDs can heighten the infection risk, cause loss of hair and possibly cause damage to the liver or kidneys.

Methotrexate is a well-known DMARD and is administered orally or injected. It has been found especially effective when combined with the new generation treatment, ENBREL.

Surgical Procedure

In severe cases, surgical removal of affected joint lining can prevent damage to other joint structures and cartilage.

Another surgical procedure fuses the painful, uncushioned bones together but is only performed on the wrist, feet, ankles, and thumbs because it restricts motion.

Tendon transfer is another surgical option for repairing damaged tendons and ligaments it is performed most frequently on the hands.

Another option is arthroplasty, or joint replacement, which is usually performed on knees, hips, and shoulders.

Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief

Patients should undergo therapeutic exercises in order to keep the affected muscles in good condition and prevent or reduce deformity to the area. These will also help maintain the patient’s vitality.

Essential Oils: Massage Oils of peppermint, lavender, camomile and geranium may be massaged into the affected area. Ruta graveolens cream may also be used. Self-mobilize the toe by gently pulling it and moving it around.

Ayurvedic Treatment: Oral medications include Maharasnadi decoction, Triphala Guggulu, Yograj Guggulu and Ashwagandharishta. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) compounds are given for prolonged periods. Multiple herbal compounds containing Guggulu are available, which are used according to the presenting symptoms and the staging of the disease as done by the Ayurvedic practitioner.

Arthritis is a condition characterized by joint inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that leads to inflamed and stiff joints.

It is the joint that holds together two bones. The joints contain soft tissues and cartilages that help to hold the bones together and materialize smooth movement.