Other Treatment
Other types of treatment that may
help you control some of the symptoms of
rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Physical therapy, to improve joint
function. Physical therapy includes exercise, hot and cold therapy, and
massage.
- Occupational therapy. This helps you learn how to maintain
movement in the joints while carrying out the activities of daily living.
- Assistive devices such as household aids or mobility aids. For
more information and a catalog, contact the Arthritis Foundation, listed in the
Other Places to Get Help section of this topic.
- techniques to reduce pain and
stress. These include
and relaxation therapy, such as
and
muscle relaxation.
- . It can
help you cope with long-term pain and disability.
Complementary and alternative medicine therapies
Although not proven in scientific studies, complementary therapies are
used by many people to relieve symptoms and
improve their quality of life. These therapies include:
- . This treatment is used to
relieve pain and treat certain health conditions. It is done by inserting very
thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body.
- . It can help relieve stress and reduce
pain. But don't massage swollen or painful joints.
- (TENS).
This therapy uses electrical current delivered through electrodes to
the skin for pain relief.
- Herbs and dietary supplements. If you decide to
use herbs or dietary supplements, be sure to tell your doctor.
- For some people, herbs (such as ginger or
evening primrose) or essential fatty acids (such as fish oil) may provide some
relief of symptoms.10
- The dietary supplement glucosamine is sometimes used to
try to relieve joint pain. But studies don't show that it is effective for rheumatoid arthritis.11