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 | Are there any alternative therapies for rheumatoid arthritis?
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|  Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory disease that causes painful swelling, redness, and stiffness of the joints. Prescription medicines are usually the first treatment choice. Some people have tried supplements to reduce symptoms of arthritis. Examples include glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), and gamma-linolenic acid (evening primrose and borage). Additional botanical supplements include valerian, ginger, curcumin (tumeric), boswellia, feverfew, and thunder god vine (used in traditional Chinese medicine). Programs using alternative therapies such as massage, tai chi, meditation, or acupuncture in combination with traditional medications also appear to be beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Some of these therapies haven't been well studied, and little information is available about their effectiveness, side effects, and drug interactions. It's important to discuss any of these therapies with your doctor before trying them. Sources:
Peirce, A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. William Morrow & Co., 1999.
Berman B.M. "The Evidence for Acupuncture as a Treatment for Rheumatologic Conditions," Rheumatology Disease Clinics of North America 1 (2000).
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Pharmacists Letter Inc., 2001.
Health Information, "Rheumatoid Arthritis and Complementary and Alternative Medicine." http://nccam.nih.gov /. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Last accessed 11/22/2006.
This answer prepared 1/17/2001.
This answer updated 1/15/2007.
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