Arthritis - At-Home Remedies

Rest and exercise and Heat are basic in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

In the progressive stage of arthritis it is mandatory to increase the amount of rest.  This could mean to spend more time in bed and get sufficient amount of rest through the day.
When joints are involved, it is best to restas straight as possible, not bent or flexed.  It may seem comfortable at the moment, but in the long term it could increase disability. 

Though, rest is highly advised, it does not mean immobilization.  Exercise will prevent the weakening of your muscles and joint deformity.  Rest must be accompanied by a dynamic and appointed exercise that your doctor can prescribe for you.  Most exercises are simple and effective and can be done at home.

A successful exercise program will help maintain strength in muscles, an increased joint flexibility and a reduction of the disability, but these results will only be obtained by the persistence and carefulness of each individual.

The exercises recommended by your doctor should become an important part of your daily routine, regardless of the stage of your disease.  Some of the low-impact activities recommended for arthritic patients are swimming, water aerobics, biking, walking, dancing, stretching or Tai Chi. 

Heat is most effective for the temporary relief of aches and pains of arthritis and rheumatism.  If the joint is not swollen, apply moist heat for about 30 minutes two to three times every day.  Do not apply heat to a swollen joint, as this may aggravate symptoms.  In such cases, the doctor or physical therapist may advise the use of cold packs.  Applying cold packs to swollen joints for 10 to 15 minutes every hour will help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

There are different ways to apply heat, dry or wet heat depending on the area involved.  

Dry heat methods include the use of infrared lamps and household electric heaters which should be kept at least 18 inches from the body.  Hot water bottles, bricks or sand bags warmed in an oven and wrapped in a towel.  Paraffin baths prepared in a special container or double boiler, using paraffin and mineral oils.  Other methods of dry heat therapy include electric pads at low heat and bakers which can be purchased or homemade.

Wet heat methods include the use of hot water.  A warm shower or bath, at a temperature that should not exceed 102ºF, may help relief morning stiffness.  Avoid soaking for more than 20 minutes and sitting still after a warm shower or bath.  Other methods of wet heat therapy include hot fomentations, in which a wrung out towel at 110ºF is applied to the affected area.  The use of a hydrocollator heating unit will be more convenient when applying this type of method repeatedly.  Contrast baths are particularly beneficial for  hands and feet.  The affected area is placed alternately in water of 110ºF for 10 minutes and 65ºF for 1 minute, proceeding in warm water for 4 minutes and the cold water for 1 minute.  The whole process should last around 30 minutes, ending it in warm water.

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