Soothing Comforts for Painful Joints

Let's face it pain and RA, go hand in hand.  The best thing we look to find is some comfort for our painful and achy joints.  Yes we have medications, but what about the days we wake up to a bad flare?  Sometimes at-home therapy can help make a painful day, into something a little more tolerable.  After doing some research, and some therapies my self, here are some tips to maybe help us with those "yucky" days.  *Note: These tips are NOT for replacing any medications, or a cure by any means, but to possibly help with some relief.

1.  A nice hot bath!!! This is a personal favorite of mine.  Not only is a hot bath soothing on our joints, but the relaxation can help strip away some of that stress you've been experiencing.  Take a bubble bath, light some candles and put on some soothing music.  Your joints will love the warmth, and your body will love the stress going away!  They also make spa attachments for your tub, you can attach an item to the side of the tub and turn your bath into a hot tub! The jets actions on the joints help.  Unfortunately, these can be pricey, the cheapest one I found is $55 on Amazon.  If you can afford it, I'd look into it.  Check it out here: Amazon.com

2.  Hot/Cold Compresses.  Depending on how you feel, or who you are, compresses can help.  Hot or cold, doesn't matter, it really depends on the person.  Personally I love heat, but I know of others who swear by cold.  Icy Hot makes great items such as compresses, gels, etc.  You can buy most of their items at stores like Walmart, or Target, but here is their website to check out their items. Icy Hot

3. Biofreeze.  This is something I have yet to try personally, but everyone who has tried it, swears by it!  Especially creator Niki, from RA Chicks, she is one who always uses it and raves how well it is.  It's available online in different sizes.  The best place you can find it is Amazon.com 

4. Acupuncture -- is the procedure of inserting and manipulating needles into various points on the body to relieve pain or for therapeutic purposes. (Wikipedia)  I've personally tried this before, and found it to be a great relief.  It helps with pain for a little while, and also helps with calming down the stress in our bodies. 




There are many herbs and foods that claim to help with inflammation, personally I've tried some, and don't find any relief at all.  These four will help a bit on the days we need just that extra something.  Sometimes for me, even just keeping my joints moving, even if going for a walk, helps so I don't get stiff.  This too can be difficult if our joints in the knees/hips/ankles are so bad, we can't walk.  I hope some of you find some relief or are on medications that help you feel great and lead as normal lives as possible.