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8 Home Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis Flare-Ups

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. The inflammation can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are rheumatology treatments that can help reduce the symptoms. If you are experiencing a flare-up, there are some simple natural remedies that you can try at home to help relieve the pain and inflammation. However, a healthy diet, stress management, regular exercise, and other remedies are important to improve your quality of life. Approximately one per cent of the Indian population suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, according to Firstpost. Most people associate arthritis with ageing, but the condition can affect people of all ages.

Between work, family responsibilities, and trying to squeeze in some me-time, it’s difficult to cope with rheumatoid arthritis. If you’re one of the millions of people living with rheumatoid arthritis, you know that flare-ups can hit and make everyday activities a challenge. But don’t worry–we’ve got your back. In this post, we share five simple but effective remedies for rheumatoid arthritis treatment that you can try at home.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can vary from person to person, and flare-ups can be unpredictable. However, there are some common signs and symptoms to watch out for. Rheumatoid arthritis often starts with a feeling of fatigue or general malaise. Joints may feel stiff in the morning, and pain and swelling may develop. The hands and feet are commonly affected, but the disease can affect any joint in the body. RA flare-ups often cause an overall feeling of sickness, fever, and increased stiffness in the joints. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Causes of rheumatoid arthritis

There are many potential causes of rheumatoid arthritis. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it’s likely that a combination of factors contributes. Some potential causes include:

• Genetics: If someone in your family has rheumatoid arthritis, you’re more likely to develop it too.
• Infections: Certain infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus and parvovirus, may trigger rheumatoid arthritis in some people.
• Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental triggers, such as cigarette smoke, electromagnetic radiation, and asbestos, may increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

RA flare-up triggers to avoid

If you’re trying to manage your rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to be aware of potential flare-up triggers. While everyone’s triggers may be different, there are a few common ones to watch out for. Foods like dairy, and gluten cause inflammation in people with RA, so it’s best to avoid them if you can. Triggering lifestyle factors like stress and lack of sleep can also aggravate symptoms, so try to manage them. If you can learn to identify your personal flare-up triggers and avoid them as much as possible, you’ll be on your way to better managing your RA.

Natural remedies for RA flare-ups

If you’re experiencing a flare-up, there are a few natural remedies you can try. If you are living with rheumatoid arthritis, you know that sometimes your symptoms flare up and you feel terrible. When this happens, you may need to try some natural remedies to get relief. These remedies include using heat or cold, using essential oils, taking supplements, avoiding certain foods, and getting moderate exercise.

• Gentle exercises: When someone is experiencing an RA flare, the idea of exercise can seem overwhelming. However, gentle exercises may help prevent tightness in the joints. For instance, a person can stretch while seated and perform range-of-motion exercises to maintain mobility in the fingers and toes.
• Healthy diet: A balanced diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, herbs, and spices will support the body’s healing process. Seafood like tuna, salmon, and sardines contains omega-3 fatty acids that can relieve morning stiffness.
• Gentles massages: Studies show that moderate pressure massage decreased pain, increased grip strength, and increased range of motion for people with RA over those who received light pressure massage. You can get a massage from a professional or by yourself, and it might help to ease RA symptoms.
• Yoga: A regular yoga practice offers physical and psychological benefits to people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Yoga improves flexibility and balance and makes everyday physical activities easier for people with RA. Yoga may also improve the mental well-being of RA patients by helping them accept their disorder and develop a more positive self-perception.
• Water: Warm baths, spa treatments, and hot showers can reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Warm baths or hot water showers relieve aching joints, relax tense muscles, and ease stiffness. Choose a temperature that feels comfortable for you.

FAQs

What is the best treatment for a flare-up of rheumatoid arthritis?

The best treatment depends on the specific symptoms that you have. However, there are some things that you can do to ease your symptoms and improve your quality of life. First, keep your arthritis under control with regular treatment and medication. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and avoiding excessive stress. These measures will help to keep your arthritis in check and improve your overall health.

How can I get instant relief from rheumatoid arthritis?

Rest is important for those with RA, as it helps to reduce inflammation and fatigue. Exercise is also beneficial for overall health and has been shown to help in reducing pain and improving mobility.

How long can a RA flare-up last?

Flares can last anywhere from a few days to a few months, but they usually subside within a few weeks. However, flares can occasionally last much longer, and it is important to consult with your doctor if the symptoms continue for over six weeks.

Raising awareness about rheumatoid arthritis and its symptoms is the first step to managing it. By sharing some remedies that have worked for you in the past, you can help others living with this disease. If you are looking to get rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Bengaluru, get in touch with us today to learn more about our multidisciplinary care and treatment options.