Help for rheumatoid arthritis most often involves reducing inflammation and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints.  It is considered an autoimmune disease, one which convinces the human immune system to attack the body. Arthritis begins as a natural inflammatory action the body uses to protect itself, but it ultimately causes damage, accompanied by pain or discomfort. 


Help for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Early Detection
Although preventing rheumatoid arthritis is almost impossible, the biggest help for controlling arthritis is early detection.  Common blood tests can track the disease. Three percent of the population seeks help for rheumatoid arthritis.  Arthritis often develops later in life, at about 40-60 years of age. Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis, for which there is no cure. 


Although the disease itself may cause weight loss, obesity can put excessive weight and pressure on arthritic joints, causing strain. Ironically, underuse of the same joint or joints can also result in strain.

Larger Joints Provide Arthritis Help
Because the smaller joints in your body are more fragile and sensitive, doctors recommend using larger joints to help out with your everyday needs.  Use your hips, for instance, instead of your fingers, to open a cabinet, or use the palm of your hand as your guide to give smaller joints rest and increased mobility.  Assistive technology aids such as arm-grippers, extendable hands, special seats and appliances with large grips help avoid straining vital joints.  

Arthritis Diet
Physicians promote the role anti-oxidants play in keeping your body mobile and healthy.  Foods rich in Vitamin B, Vitamin A and beta carotenes are all contribute to joint health.  Studies have also shown that help for rheumatoid arthritis includes drinking green tea to increase anti-oxidants.

Exercise
Help for rheumatoid arthritis can be as simple as exercising in the morning, or doing simple stretches.  A heating pad for sleep or a home-remedy heating pad you make yourself can ease pain and inflammation.  Sew a soft flannel sleeve and fill it with rice for a heating pad that molds to your body, unlike the conventional ones. You can warm it up in the microwave.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs
Drug help for rheumatoid arthritis can be as inexpensive as aspirin and Ibuprofen.  OxyContin is also known for its pain-killing properties, but can be addictive and lose its effectiveness over time. Stronger drugs include:

  • NSAIDS contain Corticosteroids, commonly known as “steroids.”  These drugs are quickly acting anti-inflammatory medications.
  • DMARDS  slowly modify inflammation and use biological agents, which attempt to block and stop inflammation where it occurs. 
  • Patients using medical marijuana report a reduction in pain.  Although it is a controversial drug, thirteen states allow medical marijuana and many more are considering legalizing the drug for medical use. 
  • Studies show that TAT-BH3 reverses the path of destructive cells, causing a cycle to destroy destructive cells.

Finally, support groups provide psychological and practical help for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.  Try an on-line support group with discussions and blogs, or meet up face-to-face.