Remedies for Rheumatism and Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as rheumatism, is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the body. A significant marker for the disease is inflammation of the small joints in the body, including hands and wrists. This condition can strike people of any age but typically develops between the ages of 20 and 50 and gets worse with increased age. Osteoarthritis happens when cartilage deteriorates leaving bones to rub against each other. This causes inflammation, stiffness, pain and loss of movement. Treatments for both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, hot compresses and cold compresses, creams with capsaicin, massage therapy and exercise.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, nabumetone and salsalate work to reduce inflammation and also the fever often associated with rheumatism. As the conditions progress, however, patients often find these drugs aren't as effective.

Corticosteroids

• Corticosteroids such as prednisone and cortisone may be used to treat severe swelling. Oral corticosteroids cannot be used for long periods of time as they have severe side effects. A single cortisone injection typically works for months to relieve pain.

Hot and Cold Compresses

• Hot and cold compresses may be used for spot pain relief. Doctors recommend not leaving cold compresses on for more than 15 minutes and to leave them off for 30 minutes in between applications. Hot compresses can be left on as tolerated as long as they are not so hot as to burn the skin.

Creams with Capsaicin

• Creams with capasaicin rubbed into affected joints have been proven to be effective in controlling inflammation and pain. Creams with menthol, camphor and turpentine oil have not been proven effective for lasting pain relief or control of anything more than minor pain.

Exercise

• Physical therapy and general exercise can help reduce inflammation by keeping the joint active. Doing exercise in water, particularly warm water, can help relieve discomfort.

Other Treatments

• Other treatments being studied include antimalarial drugs, a solution containing gold salts, immunosuppressant drugs and antibiotics.

Folklore

• Popular wisdom holds that bee venom will control and even cure rheumatism. This belief has been proven unfounded and can even be fatal in people with allergic reactions to bees.