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Can you manage rheumatoid arthritis without medication?
You’ll need to keep up with your usual medical care, but some natural remedies might help relieve pain and stiffness from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Many of them are simple, like using heat and ice packs. Others, like acupuncture, need a trained pro.
How can I treat myself with rheumatoid arthritis?
6 Self-Care Tips for RA
- If You Smoke, Quit. Smoking can make symptoms of RA worse and remission less likely.
- Drop Extra Pounds. Losing weight can be difficult.
- Get and Keep Moving. It’s hard to think of an aspect of RA that physical activity doesn’t help.
- Get Good Sleep.
- Take Care of Your Teeth.
- Manage Stress.
How do I know what stage of RA I have?
Stages of rheumatoid arthritis
- Stage 1. Stage 1 is early stage RA. Many people feel joint pain, stiffness, or swelling.
- Stage 2. Stage 2 is moderate-stage RA.
- Stage 3. Once RA has progressed to stage 3, it’s considered severe.
- Stage 4. At stage 4, there’s no longer inflammation in the joint.
How serious is Ra?
This is different than saying that RA itself causes a premature death. The complications that develop (hardened or blocked heart arteries, lung scarring, blood cancers, etc.) as a result of an aggressive RA disease course are what put patients at a greater risk for a lower life expectancy.
How can you treat rheumatoid arthritis without drugs?
Acupuncture is a common treatment in traditional Chinese medicine to help relieve pain. It uses thin needles to stimulate certain points on the body. Several studies have indicated benefits of acupuncture for RA.
How bad is Ra?
If you have rheumatoid arthritis (or RA), you have painful swelling in hands, fingers, wrists – and stiffness that makes everyday living difficult. RA is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the tissues. RA is more common among women than men.