rheumatoid arthritis

Home remedies

Various home remedies can help manage a flare. Here are some tips to follow at home:

1. Know the early signs

Knowing how to spot the early signs of a flare may help prevent a flare from becoming severe.

It is not always clear what causes a flare, but there may be some common triggers.

Keeping a journal may help identify common patterns. This can help a person take action to reduce or manage a flare’s impact by, for example, making time for extra rest.

2. Rest

Once a flare starts, many people will need to reduce their activity levels. They may need to rest completely for some time.

Having strategies in place before a flare begins may be helpful. This may include:

• Arranging to work from home, if a person’s job allows for this.
• Letting caregivers or family members know when the early signs of a flare begin, so they can be ready to help.
• Checking that food and medical supplies are sufficient to last until symptoms improve or help can be arranged.

RA can cause brain fog, making it hard to think or focus. Learn more here.

3. Gentle exercise

The idea of exercise can be daunting during an RA flare. However, gentle exercise may help preventTrusted Source stiffness.

For example, a person can do simple stretching and range-of-motion exercises while seated to maintain mobility in the hands and feet.

Water exercise and walking are suitable activitiesTrusted Source for many people with RA. However, they may not be possible during a flare. A healthcare professional can help an individual make a suitable activity plan.

4. Hot or cold packs

Hot or cold packs can help reduce joint pain and swelling. People can start using these packs as soon as symptoms appear and continue to use them throughout the flare.

It is essential to avoid placing hot or cold substances directly on the skin. Instead, wrap the pack in a towel before applying it to the affected area.

5. Dietary choices

Following an anti-inflammatory diet may help prevent flares and improve symptoms when they occur.

Tips include:

• limiting the intake of processed foods, refined sugars, and added fats
• consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables
• having an adequate fiber intake
• limiting alcohol intake

Foods that may benefit people with RA include:

• foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as flaxseed, chia seeds, walnuts, salmon, and tuna
• foods rich in antioxidants, including colorful vegetables and fruits
• whole grains, which provide fiber and other nutrients
• plant-based oils, such as olive oil
• nuts and seeds
• spices, such as ginger, cinnamon, and turmeric

6. Dietary supplements

According to the Arthritis Foundation, certain herbal supplements can help relieve the symptoms of a flare. These include:

• curcumin, an ingredient in turmeric
• ginger
• fish oil or omega-3 with EPA and DHA
• capsaicin, available in creams and gels for applying to the skin
• gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties
• Cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa), which has anti-inflammatory properties

Specific vitamin and mineral supplements may also be helpful, including:

• calcium
• chromium
• copper
• iron
• folate
• magnesium
• selenium
• sodium
• zinc
• B vitamins, including B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6, and B-12
• vitamins A, C, D, E, and K

It is worth noting that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor the quality of vitamins and other dietary supplements or guarantee their safety and effectiveness.

Often, there is not enough evidence to prove that these products are safe and beneficial for a specific purpose. People should always check that their product comes from a reputable source.

Anyone considering a supplement should check with a doctor that the product is suitable, especially if they are taking other medications.

7. Mental well-being

Reducing stress levels, where possible, may help manage or prevent a flare. Some ways of doing this include:

• meditation
• deep breathing
• mind-body exercises, such as yoga and tai chi
• listening to music or doing other activities that the person enjoys

People with RA may have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Anyone who has concerns about depression should seek medical advice.

Counseling may help relieve or manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Some research now suggests that treating depression may also help reduce the impact of RA.

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