Alternative Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

If you or someone you know suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, your quest to learn more about the condition should lead you to information on alternative treatments. Defined as a chronic condition where joints become inflamed, rheumatoid arthritis is a painful ailment that is often treated with prescription medication. But if you'd prefer to seek out treatments that fall outside the scope of traditional medicine, alternative treatments might be the thing for you.
You might find that the alternative treatments offer as much, if not more, relief than traditional medicines, but without the side effects.

Magnets

Magnets put into a bracelet and worn on the wrist may relieve pain. According to a study performed by Integrated Health Care (an alternative medicine project), osteoarthritis sufferers have been able to obtain joint relief by using strategically placed magnets. They also believe rheumatoid arthritis suffers might receive similar benefits. Medical professionals are not entirely certain how magnets relieve pain, or even if they do.

Plant Oils

Plant oils that feature gamma-linolenic acid are another alternative. While no proof exists that this treatment is effective, researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and the Graduate Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania suggest that this treatment does ease pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Consult your doctor before using any treatment that contains plant oils, because some types of plant oils can harm your liver or counteract other medicines. Plant oils can be found at your local health-food store.

Tai Chi

Tai chi, a health-centered Chinese martial art, is known to relieve stress, but it also might relieve pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. If you've never done tai chi, consult your doctor. If he approves, find a qualified tai chi instructor to show you the moves. You can find qualified instructors through your local gym or fitness center, or sometimes by browsing the advertising sections in a health-food store.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid

Fish oil that contains eicosapentaenoic acid is a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Certain types of fish oil containing omega-3 fatty acids can help to lessen the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Mangosteen Juice

As you study about rheumatoid arthritis alternative treatments, you might come across the mangosteen juice method. Found in Southeast Asia, this fruit is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially help to alleviate pain associated with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. You should know that there has been no human study; however, there are numerous people that have provided their testimonials on the effectiveness of the juice.