How to Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain and Inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that affects the small joints in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in the lining of joints which cause pain, inflammation and deformity. The disorder is autoimmune which means the body's immune system is attacking itself. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis; however, many treatment options are available.

• Include omega-6 fatty acids in your diet. They contain fatty acids the body cannot make and are found in food. Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for the body's health and brain development. Studies show that omega-6 fatty acids help decrease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.


• Take a fish oil supplements to help treat rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Fish oil contains a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to lower the need of anti-inflammatory medications.


• Keep a healthy weight. If the body is slightly overweight, it can cause pain of rheumatoid arthritis to increase. A healthy diet may prevent the body from developing other diseases and lower rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.


• Apply moist heat to painful areas affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Heat allows the arthritic joint to move easier. The affect of heat on the joint increases flexibility, lessens pain and loosens tight muscles.


• Talk to your doctor about starting a prescription medicine to help treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Many prescriptions can reduce pain and joint swelling caused from rheumatoid arthritis.


• Exercise regularly to help lower pain caused from rheumatoid arthritis. Exercise improves mobility and muscle strength. Exercise is beneficial with pain reduction, stress and depression caused from rheumatoid arthritis.


• Use cold therapy to reduce swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Ice packs, soaking in a tub and over-the-counter sprays are all forms of cold therapy.