Long term care for rheumatoid arthritis should be an important considering for anyone who has this condition, from the very first signs of it appearing to people who have been living with it for many years.
Obviously, however, if you catch it in the earliest stages and begin proper long term management, you will be better off.
Even though your genes are a large influence on you having the condition, this does not mean that lifestyle choices you make do not have a significant beneficial or harmful impact on the progression of the rheumatoid arthritis.
Once the condition is diagnosed, your long term care for rheumatoid arthritis should consist of three basic remedies: proper exercises, proper rest, and anti-inflammatory drugs -- whether over-the-counter, prescription, or natural.
We personally prefer natural remedies because the prescription variety can have serious health risks, but the choice for you will be personal and after you discuss your options with a doctor.
Here is some info about some of them: 1.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
These are used to alleviate joint pain and inflammation.
Are they effective? Yes.
However, when used long term, they can cause stomach problems -- ulcers and bleeding -- and possible heart problems as well.
2.
COX-2 inhibitors.
These are pharmaceutical drugs that were sold for years.
Then they received a great deal of bad press because it was discovered they significantly increased the chance heart attacks and stroke.
Vioxx, one of the COX-2 inhibitors, produced by Merck, was temporarily yanked off the market.
Thousands of lawsuits are still pending and many people are steering away from these drugs now for long term care for rheumatoid arthritis.
These drugs worked by blocking an enzyme called COX-2 that promoted inflammation.
3.
Corticosteroids are another class of drugs used to reduce inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
However, due to potential long-term negative effects, corticosteroids are used only for short durations.
Possible side effects may include: bruising, weight gain, eye issues such as cataracts, diabetes, high blood pressure, thinning of the bones, and more.
4.
Natural Remedies: the solution for long term care for rheumatoid arthritis? Omega 3 fatty acids, the same ones you often hear are beneficial for cardiovascular and brain health, are potent natural anti-inflammatories.
Unlike the drugs above, they will actually benefit your health while possibly alleviating rheumatoid arthritis.
Is there any risk? The answer is there is a risk to everything.
Because omega 3 oils act as blood thinners, it's not advisable to use them in conjunction with too many other blood thinners, such as asprin.
According to the University of Maryland's Medical Center's website: "Most clinical studies investigating the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for inflammatory joint conditions have focused almost entirely on rheumatoid arthritis.
Several articles reviewing the research in this area conclude that omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel...
another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis.
" [End Quote] In short, at least to us, it seems if you want to achieve long term care for rheumatoid arthritis you should use something that the body already needs for good health, such as omega 3 oils which are an essential nutrient.
Unfortunately, the great majority of Westerners are highly deficient in this important nutrient.
The best sources for omega 3 fatty acids are fish or purified fish oil you find in supplements.
New Zealand green lipped mussel may be of interest as well, especially to those with arthritis.
And, although it is not well known in the United States, it is available to those who live outside New Zealand.
Obviously, however, if you catch it in the earliest stages and begin proper long term management, you will be better off.
Even though your genes are a large influence on you having the condition, this does not mean that lifestyle choices you make do not have a significant beneficial or harmful impact on the progression of the rheumatoid arthritis.
Once the condition is diagnosed, your long term care for rheumatoid arthritis should consist of three basic remedies: proper exercises, proper rest, and anti-inflammatory drugs -- whether over-the-counter, prescription, or natural.
We personally prefer natural remedies because the prescription variety can have serious health risks, but the choice for you will be personal and after you discuss your options with a doctor.
Here is some info about some of them: 1.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
These are used to alleviate joint pain and inflammation.
Are they effective? Yes.
However, when used long term, they can cause stomach problems -- ulcers and bleeding -- and possible heart problems as well.
2.
COX-2 inhibitors.
These are pharmaceutical drugs that were sold for years.
Then they received a great deal of bad press because it was discovered they significantly increased the chance heart attacks and stroke.
Vioxx, one of the COX-2 inhibitors, produced by Merck, was temporarily yanked off the market.
Thousands of lawsuits are still pending and many people are steering away from these drugs now for long term care for rheumatoid arthritis.
These drugs worked by blocking an enzyme called COX-2 that promoted inflammation.
3.
Corticosteroids are another class of drugs used to reduce inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
However, due to potential long-term negative effects, corticosteroids are used only for short durations.
Possible side effects may include: bruising, weight gain, eye issues such as cataracts, diabetes, high blood pressure, thinning of the bones, and more.
4.
Natural Remedies: the solution for long term care for rheumatoid arthritis? Omega 3 fatty acids, the same ones you often hear are beneficial for cardiovascular and brain health, are potent natural anti-inflammatories.
Unlike the drugs above, they will actually benefit your health while possibly alleviating rheumatoid arthritis.
Is there any risk? The answer is there is a risk to everything.
Because omega 3 oils act as blood thinners, it's not advisable to use them in conjunction with too many other blood thinners, such as asprin.
According to the University of Maryland's Medical Center's website: "Most clinical studies investigating the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplements for inflammatory joint conditions have focused almost entirely on rheumatoid arthritis.
Several articles reviewing the research in this area conclude that omega-3 fatty acid supplements reduce tenderness in joints, decrease morning stiffness, and allow for a reduction in the amount of medication needed for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Similarly, New Zealand green lipped mussel...
another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a small group of people with osteoarthritis.
" [End Quote] In short, at least to us, it seems if you want to achieve long term care for rheumatoid arthritis you should use something that the body already needs for good health, such as omega 3 oils which are an essential nutrient.
Unfortunately, the great majority of Westerners are highly deficient in this important nutrient.
The best sources for omega 3 fatty acids are fish or purified fish oil you find in supplements.
New Zealand green lipped mussel may be of interest as well, especially to those with arthritis.
And, although it is not well known in the United States, it is available to those who live outside New Zealand.