Home remedies for rheumatoid arthritis

Home care can ease pain and stiffness and help you stay active alongside your prescribed treatment. It does not replace disease-modifying medicines, which protect the joints from damage.

Heat and cold

• Warm showers, heat packs or paraffin wax baths in the morning ease stiffness.
• Cold packs wrapped in a cloth for 10 to 15 minutes may help hot, swollen joints.
• Avoid very hot or very cold items on numb skin.

Movement and rest

• Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises every day.
• Balance activity and rest, resting inflamed joints in flares but not staying still for long.
• Pace tasks and take short breaks.

Joint protection

• Use larger joints for tasks, such as carrying a bag on the forearm.
• Use jar openers, thick-handled pens and kitchen tools designed for easy grip.
• Wear supportive footwear, and consider splints if advised by a therapist.

Sleep and stress

• Keep a regular sleep routine and a supportive mattress.
• Use relaxation, breathing and gentle hobbies to manage stress, which can trigger flares.

Remedies with limited evidence Turmeric, ginger and fish oil may help some people with pain, but should be discussed with your doctor, especially if you take blood thinners or methotrexate. Massage with warm oil may feel soothing but does not treat the disease.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Warm, gentle care of the joints is traditional. It is a comfort measure, not a treatment of the cause.

Avoid Do not use steroid pills from unregulated sources, and do not stop prescribed medicine because symptoms improve.

Remember See a rheumatologist if swelling persists, or if a joint becomes suddenly hot, red and painful with fever.