Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Alternative Medicine
15/03/11 10:39
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that most typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.
An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. In addition to causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect your whole body with fevers and fatigue.
Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. While there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatment options have expanded greatly in the past few decades.
Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staff
Some common complementary and alternative treatments that have shown promise for rheumatoid arthritis include:
• Thunder god vine. Preparations made from the peeled root of this plant are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat
inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Studies indicate that it may be helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Side effects
include diarrhea, menstrual changes and hair loss.
• Plant oils. The seeds of evening primrose, borage and black currant contain a type of fatty acid that may help with rheumatoid
arthritis pain and morning stiffness. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea and gas. Some plant oils can cause liver damage
or interfere with medications, so check with your doctor first.
• Fish oil. Some preliminary studies have found that fish oil supplements may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain and stiffness. Side
effects can include nausea, belching and a fishy taste in the mouth. Fish oil can interfere with medications, so check with your
doctor first.
• Tai chi. This movement therapy involves gentle exercises and stretches combined with deep breathing. Many people use tai chi
to relieve stress in their lives. Small studies have found that tai chi may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain. When led by a
knowledgeable instructor, tai chi is safe. But don't do any moves that cause pain.
Original Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/DS00020/DSECTION=alternative%2Dmedicine
An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. In addition to causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect your whole body with fevers and fatigue.
Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. While there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatment options have expanded greatly in the past few decades.
Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staff
Some common complementary and alternative treatments that have shown promise for rheumatoid arthritis include:
• Thunder god vine. Preparations made from the peeled root of this plant are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat
inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Studies indicate that it may be helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Side effects
include diarrhea, menstrual changes and hair loss.
• Plant oils. The seeds of evening primrose, borage and black currant contain a type of fatty acid that may help with rheumatoid
arthritis pain and morning stiffness. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea and gas. Some plant oils can cause liver damage
or interfere with medications, so check with your doctor first.
• Fish oil. Some preliminary studies have found that fish oil supplements may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain and stiffness. Side
effects can include nausea, belching and a fishy taste in the mouth. Fish oil can interfere with medications, so check with your
doctor first.
• Tai chi. This movement therapy involves gentle exercises and stretches combined with deep breathing. Many people use tai chi
to relieve stress in their lives. Small studies have found that tai chi may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain. When led by a
knowledgeable instructor, tai chi is safe. But don't do any moves that cause pain.
Original Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/DS00020/DSECTION=alternative%2Dmedicine
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Physical Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
24/01/11 08:07
Physical therapy has one simple goal: keeping you moving. It will stimulate muscles, bones, and joints through exercise or other methods. The result is more strength, tone, and overall fitness.
Physical therapists help you with joint function, muscle strength, and fitness level. They understand the mechanics of bones, joints, and muscles working together, the problems that can occur, and what to do about them.
Working with a physical therapist is a good idea at any stage or severity of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Early in the course of rheumatoid arthritis, your physical therapist can assess and document where you are in terms of function, strength, and fitness. Your exercise plan will be designed to maximize your chances of avoiding joint problems as the disease progresses.
• In moderate or advanced rheumatoid arthritis, a physical therapist can help you keep or increase the strength and flexibility you have.
Together, you and your physical therapist will create a road map of improvement for each muscle/joint group, and for your overall fitness. This will become part of the treatment plan for your rheumatoid arthritis. There are a number of strategies your physical therapist can use to reach your treatment goals.
• Exercise. This is the cornerstone of any physical therapy plan. Together with you and your doctor, your physical therapist will design an exercise plan that is targeted to your ability and fitness level. A good plan will include stretching/flexibility exercises; strength exercises, and conditioning (or aerobic) exercise.
• Heat/Ice. Treating inflamed or painful joints with heat or ice packs helps some people feel better.
• Massage. In some patients with chronic pain, therapeutic massage reduces symptoms.
• Motivation and encouragement. While "low-tech," it's hard to overestimate the value of having someone in your corner cheering you on-and pushing you to do better.
*Original article: http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/physical-therapy-for-rheumatoid-arthritis
Physical therapists help you with joint function, muscle strength, and fitness level. They understand the mechanics of bones, joints, and muscles working together, the problems that can occur, and what to do about them.
Working with a physical therapist is a good idea at any stage or severity of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Early in the course of rheumatoid arthritis, your physical therapist can assess and document where you are in terms of function, strength, and fitness. Your exercise plan will be designed to maximize your chances of avoiding joint problems as the disease progresses.
• In moderate or advanced rheumatoid arthritis, a physical therapist can help you keep or increase the strength and flexibility you have.
Together, you and your physical therapist will create a road map of improvement for each muscle/joint group, and for your overall fitness. This will become part of the treatment plan for your rheumatoid arthritis. There are a number of strategies your physical therapist can use to reach your treatment goals.
• Exercise. This is the cornerstone of any physical therapy plan. Together with you and your doctor, your physical therapist will design an exercise plan that is targeted to your ability and fitness level. A good plan will include stretching/flexibility exercises; strength exercises, and conditioning (or aerobic) exercise.
• Heat/Ice. Treating inflamed or painful joints with heat or ice packs helps some people feel better.
• Massage. In some patients with chronic pain, therapeutic massage reduces symptoms.
• Motivation and encouragement. While "low-tech," it's hard to overestimate the value of having someone in your corner cheering you on-and pushing you to do better.
*Original article: http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/physical-therapy-for-rheumatoid-arthritis