© Shutterstock

Rheumatoid arthritis -

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease for which there is no current cure. Fortunately, there are several ways this debilitating condition can be managed.

© Shutterstock 

Sleep -

One of the best natural remedies against RA is sleep. According to a report published by the Journal of Clinical Medicine, poor sleep quality has an especially detrimental effect on those who suffer from the condition, as lack of enough shut-eye influences levels of pain and your ability to move.

© Shutterstock 

Biofeedback -

Biofeedback is a mind-body technique that involves using visual or auditory feedback to help you learn to control automatic responses such as heart rate and blood pressure. A therapist teaches you how to control your reaction to stress, the information of which may help you to develop better control over certain body functions and address health concerns.

© Shutterstock 

Exercise -

Regular exercise can help lower the swelling in your joints, help ease pain, and increase joint range of motion. Choose low-impact aerobic exercise like brisk walking or swimming. Strength exercises can keep the muscles around your joints strong. And range-of-motion exercises encourage your joints to move like they should.

© Shutterstock 

Water aerobics -

Water aerobics is an especially beneficial way to ease the discomfort of RA. Aquatic exercise allows you to get a great cardio workout while also increasing your strength, endurance, and flexibility. And the buoyancy of water also provides additional support for your muscles and joints.

© Shutterstock 

Yoga -

Another low-impact exercise option with potential benefits for RA sufferers is yoga. The combination of exercise, breathing, and meditation can improve mood, fatigue, and the chronic pain often associated with the condition.

© Shutterstock 

Tai chi -

Perhaps even more beneficial than yoga is tai chi. This ancient Chinese martial art combines a series of slow, deliberate movements designed to help with strength, flexibility, and balance—all potentially of benefit to those with RA.

© Shutterstock 

Progressive muscle relaxation -

A means of managing stress as well as giving your muscle groups a good workout, progressive muscle relaxation is a method by which you tense a group of muscles as you breathe in, and you relax them as you breathe out. Benefits include the development of a feeling of well-being, lowered blood pressure, and decreased muscle tension.

© Shutterstock 

Deep breathing -

The benefits of deep breathing are plentiful. It decreases stress, relieves pain, and improves immunity. Slow deep breaths from the belly can also increase energy, lower blood pressure, and support correct posture—all beneficial in combating the symptoms of RA.

© Shutterstock 

Meditation -

Meditation helps focus breathing more sharply, which in turn takes your brain away from thoughts about pain and discomfort. An associated practice is mindfulness meditation. This technique, which is all about being aware of your thoughts, emotions, and breathing, may reduce pain intensity, depression, and other RA symptoms.

© Shutterstock 

Visualization -

A simplified way of meditating is a process known as visualization. Just close your eyes, breathe deeply, and picture yourself in a quiet, tranquil location. It's another way of reducing pain and stress. 

© Shutterstock 

Cold ice pack -

Painful RA inflammation can be treated with a cold compress. Cold diminishes joint swelling and inflammation and causes the blood vessels of the muscles to constrict. This in turn decreases the flow of blood and helps reduce soreness and tenderness.

© Shutterstock 

Heat pad -

Conversely, heat relaxes your muscles and stimulates blood flow. Heat also helps lubricate joints and may be used to relieve muscle and joint stiffness.

© Shutterstock 

Turmeric -

A common spice in many dishes, turmeric also has a long history in traditional medicine. The natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin, turmeric’s most active compound, may help ease the symptoms of RA.

© Shutterstock 

Ginger -

Research also suggests that regularly eating ginger can help relieve certain pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

© Shutterstock

Essential oils -

Essential oils can be used to relive the inflammatory symptoms of RA, including swelling, stiffness, and pain. Oils should be diluted before applying to skin, and when using any new oil be sure that you're not sensitive or allergic to it. So, what oils work best?

© Shutterstock 

Lemongrass essential oil -

Research published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research concluded that applying lemongrass essential oil onto the skin gradually reduced pain levels by a modest degree.

© Shutterstock 

Eucalyptus essential oil - Similarly, the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of eucalyptus oil have been noted when applied diluted or as a gel onto the affected area to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

© iStock

Evening primrose oil supplements -

Certain plant oils may ease the symptoms of RA. For instance, evening primrose. Taken as a supplement, evening primrose can help improve overall skin health by reducing inflammatory skin conditions.

© Shutterstock 

Thunder god vine supplements -

The impressive-sounding thunder god vine is a perennial commonly grown in southeast China that's been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Studies suggests that it may be effective in reducing RA symptoms. However, more research is needed on long-term effects and safety. It should also be noted that thunder god vine can be poisonous if it isn’t prepared correctly.

© Shutterstock 

Fish oil supplements -

The health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, are well proven and extend to helping combat inflammation. In fact, studies have consistently observed a connection between higher omega-3 intake and reduced inflammation.

© Shutterstock 

Topical creams, gels, and lotions -

As an alternative to taking supplements, topical anti-inflammatory creams, gels, and lotions can be applied directly to the skin as per directed by your doctor. Topical ointments can also come in spray form or patches.

© Shutterstock

Raw or lightly cooked vegetables -

Keeping to a balanced diet is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Those suffering from RA should prioritize foods with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. These include raw or lightly cooked vegetables—broccoli and spinach for instance, or tomato.

© Shutterstock 

Fresh fruit -

An apple a day, so they say. And it goes without saying that including plenty of fresh fruit in your diet helps in the fight against RA.

© Shutterstock 

Natural yogurt -

Natural yogurt works wonders because it's full of probiotics, live bacteria, and yeasts that have a range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

© Shutterstock 

Magnetic therapy -

The jury is still out on whether magnetic therapy is an effective tool against the inflammatory symptoms of RA. According to the Arthritis Foundation, magnet therapy or wearing copper jewelry have proven ineffective for arthritis pain. And in actual fact, most research on magnets involves people with osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear type of arthritis linked to aging, not RA.

© Shutterstock 

Assistive devices -

RA can drain strength and sap energy. The good news is that there are numerous assistive devices that can help you remain mobile, things such as splints, braces, and neck collars. In addition, custom-made household items such as grab bars and handrails installed in bathrooms and on stairs can help you navigate your home safely and more easily.

© Shutterstock 

Acupuncture -

Tried and tested for millennia, acupuncture is one of the oldest natural pain remedies out there. This traditional form of Chinese medicine is known to lower levels of chemicals in your body linked to inflammation. It also helps combat chronic pain, especially back pain. Acupuncture may also help with osteoarthritis.

© Getty Images 

Massage -

Massage may improve RA symptoms, and there are many different types of massage that can help ease pain. Massage can also help improve grip strength and increase joint range of motion.

© Getty Images

Support groups -

Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved. The support of family, friends, and others with RA can help sufferers manage the condition. Join a support group in person or online, and engage with like-minded individuals. This will increase your knowledge about RA and offer insights into how others are coping.

Sources: (Journal of Clinical Medicine) (Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice) (Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research) (Journal of the American College of Nutrition) (Arthritis Foundation)

See also: Are you susceptible to sciatica? 

© Shutterstock