There are many different conditions under the umbrella of arthritis, all of which involve pain and inflammation in the joints. For example, rheumatoid arthritis involves chronic stiffness, swelling, and pain. It can cause patients to struggle with the most simple daily activities, from getting out of bed to making their way into the office, and preparing dinner for the family at the end of a long day.
To help with their condition, many rheumatoid arthritis patients turn to potent pain medications. But there are natural ways to treat rheumatoid arthritis and these methods can help individuals manage their condition without spending huge sums of money on pricey medications. Of course, whatever your treatment choice, it’s always a good idea to run the idea by your family doctor before moving ahead.
1. Apply Heat
The most simple and yet surprisingly effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is to apply heat to those areas providing the most stiffness, pain and general discomfort. Applying heat can help to reduce the swelling of the muscle, cartilage and other tissue in the joints by stimulating blood flow in the area, helping to alleviate much of the stiffness and pain that can make getting through the day with rheumatoid arthritis really difficult.
There are a few ways you can use heat to your advantage. The less natural way is to apply a medicated cream that uses a warming sensation. For a more natural approach, try running a towel under warm water and then wrapping it around the problem area. You could also use a heating pad, most of which can be warmed in the microwave in a couple minutes, though this does require purchasing the pad.