Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the joints causing inflammation and can result in severe complications. It is considered an autoimmune disease. This means that the immune system actually attacks parts of the body. In this case, the joints are attacked. However, rheumatoid arthritis can also spread to the heart and lungs.

The pharmaceutical drugs for rheumatoid arthritis often have severe side effects from stomach discomfort and diarrhea to kidney malfunction. People who take the pharmaceuticals for this condition often find themselves in the lab frequently having their blood work monitored carefully. However, this is why there are rheumatoid arthritis alternative therapies. Especially with the high levels of side effects that drugs have and even the discontinuation of several drugs by different companies, the use of rheumatoid arthritis alternative therapies has increased.

Rheumatoid arthritis can greatly affect someone's life. It can result in the inability to use your hands, walk, or do simple daily tasks. Therefore any rheumatoid arthritis alternative therapies that can help are greatly appreciated by the sufferers of this illness.

The rheumatoid arthritis alternative therapies are most often herbal supplements but there are also some simple symptom relief symptoms as well. The most common therapy is hot cold therapy. This means that heat is used on the affected area for about fifteen minutes to reduce the inflammation and then cold is used for fifteen minutes to help control the pain.

The most common herbal supplement used for rheumatoid arthritis is Glucosamine. Glucosamine is known to aid in the repair and health of the joints. The second most common herb that does the same is Chondroitin. There is also something called MSM. This is a sulfur based anti-inflammatory that is said to work just as well as the typical medications.

To try and slow the progression of the disease and not just symptom relief is Niacinamide. This is supposed to maintain the health of cells and therefore slows the progression of the illness. It is otherwise known as Vitamin B3. Rheumatoid arthritis alternative therapies are available at most health food stores and pharmacies. Although they each have their own benefits and are proven to be helpful, it is mentioned that when taken together in a combined supplement they are the most beneficial.

Acupressure is a common physical treatment that can help with the pain or arthritis. It works by placing pressure on specific places on the body. This can be done by a trained therapist, or techniques can be taught and done at home. Rheumatoid arthritis alternative therapies are readily available and most are not very reasonable priced. They are definitely gaining in popularity every day.