Q&A: What natural product is good for rheumatoid arthritis? | Health ...

Question by silkcarrot: What natural product is good for rheumatoid arthritis?
My dad has this type of arthritis and his legs always hurt really bad. He is only 54 years old and he can barely walk around. What are some things that he can try to ease the pain so that he can get around better. He is still kind of young.

Best answer:

Answer by Martha G
I am a registered nurse, and we also have 14 cases of RA in my family. First of all, your father must be seeing a rheumatologist, and if not, begin there. The newer meds for RA are truly lifesaving in that they prevent the progression of the disease. As for natural things, you can use glucosamine and condroitin, which not everyone can tolerate in their GI system, but is worth a try, calcium with magnesium is an absolutely essential nutrient for anyone his age, especially with arthritis of any sort, ultra-pure fish oil, making sure it has good omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Olive oil in the diet is good, because it contains some of the necessary fatty acids. He needs to control his weight, and if he?s on any kind of steroidal medication, such as Prednisone, he needs to keep tabs on his blood sugar and make certain he doesn?t overeat sugar to avoid diabetes onset. Make certain he has good sturdy shoes with arch supports, heel stabilizers, and a wide heel base. Overexercise will worsen his pain, but keeping active is necessary, the very best exercise being swimming or anything in the water, and second best walking. It isn?t necessary for him to racewalk or overdo it, just keep him moving. Helping fold laundry stretches the arms, for example, as does putting the dishes away after a meal, or hanging out clothing on the line. RA is often accompanied by depression, so keep him engaged in things he likes to do, even if you have to resort to teaching him to paint little items for kids? doll houses or something. Something that makes him feel very worthwhile. Good luck and god bless you.

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