Arthritis is one of the most common ailments, and it can happen to anyone. Some forms are caused by wear, tear, and repetitive movements, and are most commonly associated with older people who have a lifetime of working and moving behind them.
However, other forms of arthritis, namely rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, are autoimmune disorders that can appear in people of all ages. RA results in pain, swelling of the joints, stiffness, and occasionally results in inflammation around the heart and lungs.
Arthritis of any kind can be a painful condition, and it can really cut into daily activities, making even the simplest of tasks suddenly difficult and uncomfortable. And it doesn't just affect humans! Dogs are also known to get arthritis, with similar symptoms.
When it comes to RA, medication is the best bet in most cases, and a medication plan can be put together with a doctor. However, that doesn't mean that flare-ups and pain will cease entirely.
When that happens, there are actually many easy remedies you can use right at home to soothe pain and bring about relief.
Read on to learn how to soothe the painful swelling and stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis, and let us know any tips and tricks we might have missed in the comments.
Thumbnail Photo: Flickr
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the body's immune system attacking its own joints, resulting in excess warmth, swelling, and pain in those areas.
It's still not exactly clear where RA comes from, but it's believed to stem from a combination of environmental factors and genetics. It's most commonly found in the hands and fingers, but can manifest anywhere in the body.
What Can I Do To Soothe RA At Home? RA Tip #1: Cook With Lots Of Herbs And Spices
Many herbs and spices have great anti-inflammatory properties, and simply adding them to your meals is a great way to reap those benefits.
Cayenne, oregano, ginger, turmeric, and rosemary are just some of the herbs and spices that can help soothe RA flare-ups.
They also have a number of other health-boosting properties, and as a bonus? They taste great!
RA Tip #2: Try Ginger Oil For A Massage
Ginger oil creates a spicy, warming sensation on contact. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic chemicals make it a great topical pain reliever.
Gently massage a drop of ginger oil onto a sore area for pain relief. If the oil irritates your skin, you can dilute it a bit with olive or coconut oil.
RA Tip #3: Sip Turmeric Tea
Is there anything turmeric can't do? Apparently not, and soothing RA is another of its many abilities.
Try combining a cup of coconut milk and a cup of water in a pot and warming for two minutes. Then add a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of turmeric powder. Stir and heat for another two minutes and enjoy.
RA Tip #4: Drink Raw Potato Juice In The Morning
It sounds weird, but some people swear by this strange remedy. To do it, slice a raw potato thinly, and leave the skin on. Soak the slices in cold water overnight. The next morning, strain the water and drink it on an empty stomach.
RA Tip #5: Soak Your Aches Away
A good Epsom salt soak is a great way to alleviate the pain of RA.
Simply dissolve the salts in warm water, and then let the afflicted area soak for about 20 minutes. It will help relieve stiffness and pain, and will also help take down any swelling.
RA Tip #6: Add More Garlic To Your Meals
Garlic is not only delicious, but it's incredibly good for you! It's great for reducing inflammation, and is also great for heart health, as an added bonus.
A great way to get garlic is to simply eat raw garlic cloves, but if that's a bit much for you, you can also add it to cooked dishes for extra flavor.
And if that's still too much for you, there are also garlic supplements that give you the benefits without the flavor.
RA Tip #7: Avoid Junk Food
Avoiding junk food is a good idea anyway, but the preservatives, dyes, and artificial sweeteners in many junk foods can increase inflammation in the body and lead to painful flare-ups. Refined carbs can cause them, too.
When you can, opt for cleaner, healthier foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.
RA Tip #8: Stretch Gently
RA stiffness and pain is most common after periods of rest, when the joints aren't being used. To make sure your joints stay limber, it's necessary to keep them moving.
A regimen of light, gentle stretches is a great way to do this. For hands, extending and stretching the fingers, gently shaking out the wrists, and rotating the wrists keep joints moving freely.
Obviously, be gentle with yourself. If something hurts, don't do it!
RA Tip #9: Bathe In Apple Cider Vinegar
Pour a cup or two of apple cider vinegar into a bathtub full of hot water, and soak yourself for up to half an hour. The vinegar is great for soothing the joints, and as an added bonus is great for your skin, too!
Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after the bath.
RA Tip #10: Cool The Affected Area Down
When joints swell, they usually feel hot. Like with any other type of swelling, using a cool compress or ice pack is the best way to calm the area down. Cold will reduce the swelling quickly and help it regain motion.
Have you or someone you know struggled with RA? Besides medication, what was most helpful?
Let us know in the comments, and SHARE these home remedies to keep your friends and family healthy and moving!
