Five warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis
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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means the body’s immune system targets affected joints, which leads to pain and swelling. Joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis can also feel stiff. “For example, if your hands are affected, you may not be able to fully bend your fingers or form a fist,” explains the NHS.
According to the NHS, the stiffness is often worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
Unfortunately, there’s no cure for the condition but treatment interventions have been shown to relieve stiffness and other symptoms.
According to a meta-analysis investigating the efficacy of herbal medicines for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, evening primrose oil can help to alleviate morning stiffness.
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is made from the seeds of the flowers of a plant native to North America.
In a six‐month trial of evening primrose oil (EPO), 40 patients were randomly assigned to receive six grams a day of EPO or placebo.
Thirteen patients receiving EPO and 17 in the placebo group completed the trial.
Between‐group comparisons were not reported. However, within‐group comparisons showed a significant reduction in morning stiffness in the EPO group.
In contrast, the placebo group reported no change in morning stiffness.
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Another study of EPO involved 49 patients with mild rheumatoid arthritis, who were randomly assigned to receive EPO or placebo.
By the end of the study, a significantly greater percentage of patients in the treatment group reported subjective improvement compared with the placebo patients.
General dietary tips
It’s also very important to eat a healthy, balanced diet if you have rheumatoid arthritis.
As the NHS explains, eating healthily will give you all the nutrients you need and help you maintain a healthy weight.
This is significant because too much weight places excess pressure on the joints in your hips, knees, ankles and feet, leading to increased pain and mobility problems.
Another key tip to aid weight loss, which also brings direct benefits for arthritis management is regular exercise.
According to health body Versus Arthritis, exercise is one of the best things you can do to improve your symptoms of arthritis.
“If you have joint pain, start gently and gradually increase the length of time you’re exercising,” advises the health body.
Health bodies generally advise aiming to do at least 30 minutes of exercise that makes you a bit short of breath five times a week.
It’s also recommended that people spend 30 minutes a day on their feet – such as walking or climbing stairs.
“Try three or four 10-minute sessions throughout the day if it suits you better than doing it in one go,” advises Versus Arthritis.
It adds: “Doing five to ten minutes of exercise each day is important to keep your joints moving and your muscles strong.”
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