Rheumatoid arthritis can be a ruthless condition, affecting 700,000 people in the UK. It not only affects joints but also quality of life. Managing the pain, stiffness, and inflammation often requires more than just conventional treatments alone. In this article, we will explore what rheumatoid arthritis is, looking at the causes of it, common treatment, home remedies and osteopathic solutions.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Unlike other types of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation, pain and swelling, which affects joints in mainly the hands, feet and wrists. There can be times where symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis become worse. This is known as flare-ups. Flare-ups can be difficult to predict, but with arthritis therapies, treatment and by using natural remedies for arthritis, it’s possible to minimise the number of flare-ups.
Who gets rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis can happen at any stage of life, but the risk increases with age. It’s also most commonly seen in women – they are about three times more likely to have the disease. If a family member has rheumatoid arthritis, you may be more likely to develop the disease. Other risk factors include smoking, obesity, periodontitis and lung diseases.
What is the best pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis?
Managing the pain of rheumatoid arthritis normally requires a varied approach. While medication, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort and inflammation, other methods such as gentle stretching, acupuncture, massage therapy and exercise can also make a significant difference. But, before diving into complementary therapies, it’s important that you always follow advice from your medical practitioner. The best pain relief is often personalised, combining medical treatments with arthritis therapies to address pain effectively.
Common treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis therapies
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis typically includes a mix of medications, such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate and corticosteroids to relieve pain. Physical arthritis therapies such as shoulder stretches, leg lifts and walking are also often recommended to do regularly to maintain joint flexibility and strength.
Home remedies for arthritis
Individuals may choose to turn to home remedies for arthritis to alleviate symptoms. Common home remedies for arthritis include:
- Applying heat packs or ice to affected areas to soothe pain and reduce swelling.
- Gentle exercises such as yoga and swimming help improve mobility without putting too much strain on joints.
- Natural remedies for arthritis such as incorporating leafy greens, whole grains and omega-3 fatty acids into a diet.
- Herbal remedies like turmeric and ginger that can be added to dishes or teas.
How to treat arthritis with osteopathic solutions
Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that provides holistic relief to managing rheumatoid arthritis by addressing the whole body. For those with rheumatoid arthritis, osteopathy offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach. By improving mobility, circulation and overall body mechanics, osteopathic treatments can help alleviate symptoms.
1. Relieving joint pain and stiffness
Osteopaths use techniques such as gentle joint mobilisation and soft tissue massage to reduce stiffness and improve range of motion. These methods also help ease pain by addressing surrounding muscles and tissues.
2. Reducing inflammation
Improving blood flow to affected areas through targeted osteopathic techniques can also help reduce inflammation by promoting better circulation and lymphatic drainage, aiding in the removal of inflammatory substances from joints.
3. Enhancing mobility and functionality
By focusing on posture, gait and overall body alignment, osteopaths work to improve how the whole body moves as a unit. This reduces strain on arthritic joints, helping to make everyday activities less challenging.
4. Supporting the whole body
Osteopathy addressing the body as a whole means that it considers the broader impact of rheumatoid arthritis on every part of the body. For example, if one joint is compromised, other joints may overcompensate, leading to discomfort elsewhere.
5. Advice on home remedies for arthritis
Osteopathy isn’t just about the hands on treatment, it also involves providing advice on home remedies for arthritis. This may include suggestions about gentle exercises, diet, stress management and recommendations for lifestyle changes to support overall wellbeing.
When to consider osteopathy for rheumatoid arthritis
Considering osteopathy as part of your treatment plan can be invaluable, especially if you’re looking for natural, non-invasive treatment. Note that it’s always important to consult with your GP to ensure that osteopathy is a suitable option for you.
If you’re looking to minimise reliance on medication or are just simply seeking complementary arthritis therapies, get in contact with us today or book an appointment to see how we can help you to better joint health and improved quality of life.
