Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating autoimmune condition that can decrease the quality of your life significantly. This condition occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues. It can make you feel the pain and inflammation of the joints. The symptoms can worsen over time and cause disability. For this reason, it is essential to treat arthritis and manage symptoms.

Keep reading to learn more about ways to treat rheumatoid arthritis and prevent serious health consequences.

1. Medications

Medications are an effective way to relieve joint pain and other arthritis symptoms like inflammation and swelling. The doctor may suggest over-the-counter pain-relievers to relieve pain and increase the quality of your life. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs can reduce your symptoms and stop the progression of the disease. Topical remedies can also be helpful in relieving pain and swelling. 

2. Hot and cold therapy

Hot and cold therapy is a great way to relieve inflammation and pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Heat treatment includes warm baths in the morning to relieve stiffness and a heating pad to reduce discomfort before the bad. Cold can help you ease swelling, joint pain, and inflammation. You can apply a bag with frozen vegetables wrapped in the towel at a painful joint for quick relief. 

3. Physical therapy

Physical activity is essential to prevent and relieve arthritis. Physical therapy is a great type of physical activity that can strengthen the muscles that support your damaged joints. It can help you ease pain, relieve stiffness, and improve your range of motions. This can help you avoid surgery and medications. Physical therapy can help you improve your ability to walk, sit comfortably, climb stairs, and run. 

4. Acupuncture

Acupuncture is traditional Chinese medicine. This is a procedure in which the specialist inserts small needles into specific points of your body. Acupuncture works by rerouting energies and restoring balance in your body. Acupuncture is great in reducing pain and inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. But this is important to find a qualified and licensed acupuncture specialist. Otherwise, acupuncture can be ineffective or even worsen your symptoms. 

5. Stem cell therapy

Stem cell therapy is a non-invasive treatment that can help replace damaged cells within the body. Stem cell therapy has a unique ability to reduce inflammation over the body. Stem cells can regenerate damaged tissues of the joint and help stabilize the immune system. This can slow down the progression of the disease and relieve the symptoms. You need to find a certified stem cell clinic with qualified doctors to achieve the desired result. 

6. Meditation

Different relaxation techniques can help you reduce pain and inflammation by lowering your stress levels. It is recommended to try tai chi and yoga. These types of activity combine relaxation, low-impact exercise, breathing techniques, and meditation. This can also help you relieve common side effects of rheumatoid arthritis that include anxiety, stress, and depression. 

7. Weight management

Your weight can affect your arthritis symptoms significantly. This puts extra pressure on your joints, mainly the knees and hips. Losing weight can help you both prevent arthritis and help relieve symptoms. By reducing the stress on the joints you can decrease the pain, improve your mobility, and prevent further damage to your joints. 

8. Healthy diet

Diet can improve or worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms significantly. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole foods can improve your immune system work and overall health. Plant-based foods are a good source of antioxidants, that can fight free-radicals and relieve inflammation. A diet rich in red meat, saturated fats, added sugars, and processed foods can aggravate inflammation and arthritis symptoms. 

If you suspect you have rheumatoid arthritis it is important to get appropriate treatment ASAP. You need to find a good doctor and take tests to confirm your disease. After the diagnosis, the doctor can choose appropriate treatment and help you improve the quality of your life.