Yoga, Tai Chi, and 8 Other Ways to Improve Your RA Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis affects your joints and can affect other parts of your body. It’s a type of arthritis caused by your immune system attacking tissue lining your joints. There’s no exact known cause. There are ways to improve symptoms and help you reduce pain. 

In this slideshow, you’ll find ways to reduce swelling and joint pain. Managing your rheumatoid arthritis can help improve your overall quality of life and reduce chronic pain. 

Yoga is a gentle, safe way to start moving your body. Start by learning simple movements that feel comfortable for your body. This movement can help you feel empowered and confident. 

Some studies have shown that eight weeks of restorative yoga can improve physical and mental health in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Yoga also helps improve depression and reduces pain in your joints. 

Yoga is effective in reducing inflammation and increasing your quality of life. Some consider yoga, along with Tai Chi, as an alternative therapy. 

Tai chi is another excellent option for moving your body in a gentle, fluid, relaxed way. The primary purpose of tai chi for people with rheumatoid arthritis is to: 

• Reduce stress
• Improve balance
• Relieve pain

Some studies have shown tai chi can improve mobility in your hips, knees, and ankles. This mind and body exercise can help enhance central pain sensitivities, sleeping problems, and mood disorders. 

Meditation is excellent practice for relaxing your body and coping with your pain. Meditation slows down your mind and helps reduce stress. You can try the following techniques to control the pain: 

• Guided imagery
• Deep breathing
• Muscle relaxation

Acupuncture can help relieve pain, one of the main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It involved putting tiny needles in your body at specific points to relieve pressure in areas. 

Massages work well if you don’t like needles and want to avoid acupuncture. They help reduce pain, ease stress and anxiety, and relax your muscles. 

Hot and cold treatments are great for managing stiff, painful joints. Heat treatments include a heating pad or a warm bath. Heat works well to soothe stiff joints and tired muscles. 

Cold treatments like ice packs work great for targeting specific swollen joints and pain. The cold can numb certain areas and help reduce inflammation. 

Some medications can ease symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation. You can talk to your doctor to see if medication is the right treatment. Some medications can slow the progression of your arthritis and can work with other lifestyle changes.

Supplements like turmeric and omega-3 fish oil can improve morning stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis pain. Talk to your doctor before taking supplements to ensure they won’t affect other medications you may be taking. 

Working towards a healthier lifestyle can help reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. These lifestyle changes include: 

• Avoid tobacco smoke.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Practice stress-reducing techniques.
• Eat a healthy diet.

Topical pain medications can be applied directly on the skin around your joints in your hands and knees. These topical medications come in creams, gels, sprays, or patches. The ingredients are absorbed through your skin, providing relief.