Rheumatoid Arthritis affects millions of people around the world. Currently, more than one percent of the world population suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation to the joints including the hands, wrists, ankles, elbows, neck, and feet. Not only does rheumatoid arthritis affect the joints but it also affects other organs like the heart, lungs, and eyes.
Those that suffer from chronic rheumatoid arthritis can experience joint destruction, joint deformity, and possibly disability. (1) There are many natural and safe ways to control rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, exercise is one way that has proven to be very effective in controlling rheumatoid arthritis.
Why Exercise is Effective
Research proves that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis do benefit from moderate amounts of exercise. However, since RA does affect the joints and sometimes organs sufferers must learn to balance an exercise program with plenty of rest.
Professionals at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, tend to recommend exercise that is very carefully matched with the needs of each individual patient. Through research they found that exercise can improve RA because it helps to maintain muscle strength, preserves joint function, improves sleeping patterns, reduces pain, helps sufferers maintain a positive outlook on life, and helps them to reach and maintain a healthy weight. (2)
Next the researchers examined how much downtime or rest is necessary to improve RA symptoms. It was found that RA sufferers that rested in shorter intervals compared to long bed rest sessions experience more improvement with their symptoms. (2)
Sometimes having RA can make it difficult and painful for sufferers to exercise. As a matter of fact, physical activity in itself is one of the most common symptoms and consequences of having RA. In a way it’s a double edged sword only because limited physical activity and lack of exercise can actually worsen problems and make RA sufferers weaker, prone to more pain, and not as flexible. (3)
More Natural Ways to Control RA
Exercise is just one way to prevent and control rheumatoid arthritis. Many people have found success in using yoga, massage therapy, acupuncture, self hypnosis, biofeedback techniques, eating a well balanced diet, taking shorter rest periods, using essential oils and herbs, and taking natural herbal supplements. (4)
It has been found that natural ingredients like glucose, mannose, fucose, and galactose help with controlling and treating rheumatoid arthritis.
References:
(1) http://www.baptistonline.org/health/library/arth4176.asp
(2)http://www.ra.com/ra/rastore/cgi-bin/ProdSubEV_Cat_200148_SubCat_200148_NavRoot_301_ProdID_200192.htm
(3)http://www.arava.com/patient/about_rheumatoid_arthritis/ra_exercise_program.do
(4)http://arthritis.about.com/od/alternativetreatments/Alternative_Therapies_Natural_Treatments_Home_Remedies.htm
