Kate Mitchell was 10 years old when she started experiencing ankle pain. It wasn’t until she turned 19 that she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It took her until she was 21 to find medication that actually worked for her. In the meantime, she experimented with various remedies such as ice and acupuncture to alleviate her symptoms. Mitchell, now 32 and residing in Boston, admits to trying numerous treatments over the years. People with rheumatoid arthritis often explore different options to manage their symptoms, either before receiving an official diagnosis or because their prescribed medications aren’t effective. Dr. Nilanjana Bose, a rheumatologist at Lonestar Rheumatology in Houston, states that alternative treatments can complement RA care, emphasizing that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Physical therapy and exercise are often sought out by individuals experiencing joint pain. Casey Howell, a 36-year-old from Orlando, Florida, started physical therapy after giving birth to her first child and experiencing joint pain. She initially attributed the pain to the weight gained during pregnancy. However, even after losing weight, Howell continued to suffer from flu-like symptoms that she later learned were RA flares. While physical therapy provided some relief, Bose clarifies that it is not the primary treatment for RA. Bose recommends finding a knowledgeable therapist who understands RA and knows how to protect inflamed joints. Howell found a fitness coaching program tailored to individuals with RA, which significantly improved her condition. The program offered her a customized stretching and exercise routine, guidance on water intake and nutrition, and an online support group. Joining the program was transformative for Howell as it allowed her to progress from barely being able to move in bed to being able to lift weights. Howell advises choosing low-impact aerobic exercises like stationary biking, swimming, and walking, while Bose adds that strength training is acceptable as long as it isn’t high-impact. Mitchell experimented with eliminating certain foods from her diet after being diagnosed with RA. While removing hydrogenated oils had no effect on her symptoms, cutting out gluten and dairy proved beneficial. Bose states that it is acceptable to try elimination diets if they work for the individual, noting that there is no universally proven “RA diet.” However, she recommends following an anti-inflammatory diet in general. Howell sought intravenous infusions of B vitamins, calcium, and magnesium when her initial RA medications failed to alleviate her symptoms. While these infusions temporarily made her feel better, Bose advises caution regarding excessive vitamin intake. She states that vitamins can be helpful as long as they are not overdone, emphasizing the need to consult a doctor before starting any supplements and ensuring they don’t interact with other medications. Bose also suggests speaking to a doctor or registered dietitian about optimizing nutrient intake through dietary adjustments. Acupuncture is another alternative treatment that can help manage RA pain, according to Bose. She advises seeking a licensed practitioner and mentions that acupressure and deep tissue massage may also provide benefits by stimulating pressure points that alleviate pain. Bose advises caution when considering chiropractic care for individuals with RA. While occasional visits are acceptable, she states that spinal manipulation must be approached carefully to prevent potential complications. Howell turned to a healer specializing in spiritual energy clearing using crystals and essential oils when traditional remedies failed to improve her condition. Although this treatment offered some relief, Howell’s situation remained unchanged. Bose believes that alternative therapies should not be disregarded as long as they are safe and provide benefit to the individual. She highlights the importance of trust between the patient and healer, noting that faith plays a significant role in healing. Bose encourages patients to openly communicate with their doctors about any additional remedies they are trying and emphasizes the primacy of RA medication. Mitchell agrees, stating that while non-medication tools have helped her to some extent, nothing has made as big a difference as medication. Howell manages her symptoms through a combination of new RA medication, exercise following her trainer’s program, massage, occasional IV infusions, and regular mental health therapy. Though it requires significant investment, she is grateful to be able to care for her children and regain control of her life.
Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatable with Home Remedies?
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