ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — Rheumatoid arthritis happens when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints. The condition can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue. There are numerous drugs on the market to treat rheumatoid arthritis, many with serious side effects. But what if you could help your arthritis with some natural remedies?
One-point-five million Americans know the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. But natural remedies may be a way to ease the discomfort for some.
Dr. Mathew Pombo, MD, from Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Center said “We’re seeing arthritis at an earlier age, not only in the knees but shoulders, really everywhere. It’s becoming an epidemic of sorts. So having alternatives and ways to treat arthritis is important.”
First up: capsaicin. It’s a compound found in chili peppers that has pain-relieving potential. In one study, participants reported a 50 percent reduction in joint pain after three weeks of use. It comes as a cream, gel, or patch. You might also want to try turmeric. It contains curcumin; an ingredient that can reduce pain and swelling by blocking certain inflammatory chemicals in the body. Taking an omega-three supplement can also block inflammation. One study found that fish oil significantly decreased joint tenderness and stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis. It also reduced or eliminated the use of pain meds. Ginger is another natural remedy that may work like ibuprofen and other drugs. In one study, ginger extract reduced inflammatory reactions in rheumatoid arthritis as effectively as steroids. And cat’s claw is a supplement that works to inhibit tumor necrosis factor which is what many powerful rheumatoid arthritis prescription medicines target.
Be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any type of supplement. They may be natural, but they can also pose side effects especially if you’re taking other meds. By the way, rheumatoid arthritis is three times more common in women than men.
Contributors to this news report include: Julie Marks, Producer; Roque Correa, Videographer and Editor.
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