180 Nutrition: One of the most common inflammatory disorders is arthritis. Though there are over hundred types of arthritis, the most chronic of which is is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). From over-the-counter medicines to anti-inflammatory therapeutics to home remedies and more, there exists many ways to manage this disorder. However, to date there is no proven method through which this disease can be eliminated completely, the usual solution is pain management. The market is abundant with pain alleviating medicines and according to Allied Market Research, anti-Inflammatory therapeutics market is expected to garner $106.1 billion by 2020, registering a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period 2015-2020.
More serious cases are controlled by arthrocentesis or surgeries – these help in repairing and replacing the damaged joints. However, these practices do not provide permanent treatment, only meant for respite, to control pain and to improve the overall life style of a patient.
Basic Home Remedies and Therapies
With rheumatoid arthritis chronic pain and inflammation are inevitable, so if you are totally dependent on drugs and medicines for treatment an overall balanced approach at home should be considered. Be positive, redesign your habits and attitude to help you in responding with acute attacks. Some of the tips for home remedies and therapies are as follows.
Diet
Diet plays an overall role in maintaining a healthy body and mind. Often, it’s seen that obese and overweight individuals are more prone to arthritis. The release of inflammatory proteins called cytokines from fat cells are prevalent in overweight and obese people, which can cause inflammation. This not only worsens the signs of RA, but also adds unnecessary stress to joints. You need to be careful in choosing a diet plan while staying away from heavily processed food items. Many health professionals suggest that the Mediterranean diet is the best for the people suffering from any type of arthritis, because this diet contains healthy doses of protein, carbohydrates, and minerals. Other than this diet, an increased intake of fish is encouraged as it provides anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Also, researches have shown that a gluten-free diet is beneficial for arthritis sufferers, however it still needs much evidence to justify it. There are a list of certain foods and beverages that increase the inflammation in human body. They should be avoided in the first place. The list includes alcohol, Omega-6 fatty acids, refined sugar, and trans fats.
Optimum bed rest
Under the basic home remedies and therapies, bed rest is imperative. Bed rest is suggested when the pain does not lessen or stop with movement. However, too much bed rest may lead to a sedentary lifestyle, subsequently putting you in a state of ‘no motion’.
Exercise
Everyday exercises can help keep you fit, healthy, and active. Thus, by doing exercise every day you may achieve your optimum weight, which reduces inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that people with arthritis can positively opt for exercise, it will give them flexibility, muscle strength, endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Exercise is also great for our mindset and can promote happy hormones. However, with exercise, make sure you get proper rest and relaxation, along with balanced diet and medication.
No smoking
It’s official, smoking is bad for our health yet people still smoke cigarettes, tobaccos, and pipes for various reasons. For arthritis sufferers in mind smoking triggers inflammation and narrows the veins.
Lack of blood causes rheumatoid vasculitis which leads to skin ulcers, chronic fatigue, joint pain, rashes, weight loss, fever, and muscle pain. Studies have shown that smoking is such a dangerous habit that increases the chances of getting rheumatoid arthritis by almost 300%. Quitting smoking seems a tough challenge but its benefits cannot be ignored. Consult your medical professional who may suggest prescription drugs such as bupropion and varenicline, as these do not mingle with rheumatoid arthritis medication.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Remedies
When you consult your medical professional they may prescribe popular and commonly used medication. Basically, known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). Some of the common NSAIDs are Advil or Aleve to reduce pain and swelling.
Other than having anti-inflammatory properties, NSAIDs can heal pain and fever. However, these drugs do not eliminate the disease or treat the root cause. NSAIDs have some common side effects such as high blood pressure, liver toxicity, stomach upset, to name but a few.
Anti-inflammatory Therapies
Other than basic home remedies and over-the-counter medications, therapies are also helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Therapies are rehabilitative in nature and can better the joint functions and the overall mobility. Some of the more popular therapies are as follows.
Physical therapy
This aims to build strength and provide greater mobility in the body. Therapists use a range of techniques on patients suffering from subtle to severe arthritis . The duration of this therapy differs from one patient to another – it also depends on the case and considers aspects like symptoms, and prescription medication. It includes activities like hydrotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, and heat and cold treatment. Range of motion gets strengthened through this therapy.
Occupational therapy
This kind of therapy is not direct, rather using tools and devices to makes the patient’s life easier. By the assistance of tools, patient get the freedom and assistance in doing some everyday chores. For instance, installation of doorknobs or large handles make the mobility easy within our homes. Ergonomic chairs can help in sitting with improved and comfortable posture, putting less burden on spine.
Massage therapy
Before opting for the two therapies above, people often explore massage therapy. Though there is less research about this for healing rheumatoid arthritis, it has been shown to lift the overall mood and spirit of the patient.
Managing arthritis should not be a challenging task. Taking it as a part of life, you can manage it through other ways such as by using anti-inflammatory medication, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic response modifiers, surgery, and join replacement.
