Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder and there is no cure. Once you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the goal is to treat the symptoms of the disease in order to lead as normal a life as possible. There are treatments that can help to lessen the frequency of the symptoms and treatments that can be used to alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Once you are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, you should consult your physician and devise a plan of treatment that is right for you personally.

Diet and Exercise in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Diet and exercise are essential for your overall health. A healthy diet can help you to avoid outbreaks of rheumatoid arthritis. Avoid foods such as dairy products, milk, beef, and wheat. These foods can sometimes trigger the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, the best diet is one that is low in protein and high in carbohydrates.

You should begin a regular exercise routine. It is always best to consult your physician or a professional trainer when beginning an exercise regimen. The key is to build up the muscles around your joints, which enables your muscles to help carry the load when your joints are inflamed.

If the muscles around the joints are weak, this causes more pressure to be put on the joints and can result in more frequent bouts of inflammation. Work with a physical therapist or personal trainer to devise an exercise regimen that is right for you – one that helps you to strengthen the muscles and joints without over-straining.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

There are many rheumatoid arthritis treatments. Many physicians will recommend medications to treat the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. You should discuss these medications with your physician; research the medications in order to learn of known side effects, interactions with other medications, and interactions with foods.

Some medications can hinder your ability to live a normal life. You want to learn as much as you can so that you are able to make an informed decision about the treatment that will fit your lifestyle. Some people believe the relief of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms is worth the risks involved with taking medications. Others prefer to use natural rheumatoid arthritis treatments. There are many natural treatments that have been successful in the treatment of the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Natural Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

Some natural and herbal rheumatoid arthritis treatments include the following:

• Hot water – exercise the affected joints in a tub of hot water

• Mangosteen – treats both inflammation and pain

• Olive Oil and Kerosene – relieves inflammation of joints

• Hot vinegar – use as a rub for affected joints

• Comfrey – used as a salve to relieve inflammation

• Sandalwood Powder Paste – make a paste and rub on affected joints to relieve inflammation

• Water aerobics – helps produce endorphins in the brain that help to relieve pain

• Alfalfa tea – drink twice a day

• Camphor and Coconut Oil – used to massage affected joints

• Valerian – a natural sedative used to relieve pain

• Omega-3 fatty acids – found in foods such as fish and walnuts

• Emu Oil – used to massage affected joints

• Pineapple juice – drink daily to minimize the flare up of symptoms

• Fruit Pectin and Cranberry Juice – drink daily

• Epsom salts – soak in a tub filled with hot water (as hot as you can stand) and Epsom salts to relieve inflammation and pain

• Black Sesame Seeds – soaked overnight and taken first thing in the morning

These are some of the many natural remedies that can be found to help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and to avoid a flare up of the symptoms. While rheumatoid arthritis treatments are essential to help you maintain the quality of life you are accustomed to, the most important thing you can do for yourself – both before and after – is to maintain a health diet and exercise routine.