Rheumatoid arthritis: how to relieve joint pain in the hands

He pain in the fingersthe swollen knuckles and loss of shape of the phalanges may be symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes a Chronic inflamation that ends up destroying the cartilage and articular bone. Although it can develop at any age, it is most common for it to start between the ages of 40 and 60.

most common symptoms

The rheumatoid arthritis It is a systemic pathology that mainly affects the small joints of the hands –especially wrists and knuckles–, but also those of the feet and knees.

Among its most common symptoms we find pain, swelling, stiffness that is worse in the morning, tingling and fluid buildup, as well as functional disability and loss of shape and alignment of the affected joint. Although it is less frequent, it can affect other body systems such as the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Possible causes: a multifactorial disease

As with most autoimmune diseases, it is not known what triggers this arthritis in the hands and other joints, but it is likely that there is a genetic component that – without being the direct cause – can make a person more vulnerable to environmental factors.

Certain viruses and bacteria are often a trigger. It has been found that those with rheumatoid arthritis have a high level of antibodies against the rheumatoid arthritis virus. Espstein Barras well as against two types of intestinal bacteria: Escherichia coli and proteus mirabilis.

The periodontal disease it is an etiological factor in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. Various studies, such as the one published in 2018 by the journal progalenesupport the idea that periodontitis and arthritis are related to each other, since a state of chronic inflammation could be the binding link. In turn, it seems that some molecules that mediate inflammation such as cytokines, antigens, certain hormones, and even periodontal bacteria are common elements between both pathologies.

Suffer dysbiosis or SIBO It is also a factor that favors the appearance of this disease. The microbiota imbalance promotes intestinal permeability and the passage of antigens and bacteria present in food. This situation causes a immune reaction that can end up attacking the joint structures.

natural treatment

Apart from addressing the factors that may be influencing its appearance, such as treating possible periodontitis, it is important take care of the balance of the microbiotaso do not forget to control your digestive and intestinal function and avoid the proliferation of pathogenic flora.

If necessary, it can be taken colon detox supplements and repopulate the microbiota with prebiotics and probiotics.

In addition, there are other measures we can take:

1. Diet and rheumatoid arthritis

Proteins of animal origin worsen the disease and aggravate the inflammatory manifestations in the joints, while a strict vegetarian dietrich in raw fruits and vegetables, produces a notable improvement.

Are highly recommended foods cranberries, celery, sprouts, asparagus, cucumber, collards, cilantro, garlic, onion, ginger, papaya, pomegranate, and kelp.

But vegetables in the nightshade family should be avoided: tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, aubergines… as its high solanine content causes allergic reactions and inflammation in people suffering from arthritis.

A study published in 2014 by the journal Hospital Nutrition from the University of A Coruña, confirmed the therapeutic effects of the polyunsaturated fatty acidsof the antioxidants present in a diet rich in fruits and vegetables such as the Mediterranean, as well as the use of olive oil to mitigate the chronic inflammatory state and the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

It is also important to minimize the intake of foods such as: sugar, refined flours, gluten, trans fats, fried foods, dairy products and ultra-processed foodsas they favor a perpetual inflammatory state in the body.

2. Exercises for joint pain

Moderate exercise is recommendedbecause it mobilizes the joints and promotes the elimination of toxins, which results in an improvement in inflammation.

However, it is convenient avoid sudden or repetitive movements (such as typing on the computer), as well as those jobs that require intense physical exercise and strength will worsen the symptoms.

To improve pain in the joints of the hands You can do the following exercises. You should do them gently, daily and in short periods:

Make a fist loosely and open it to fully stretch your fingers. Repeat several times with each hand. Slowly and carefully flex one finger, then straighten it again. Repeat with all fingers. Place your hand on a flat surface with your fingers spread out and slowly lift one finger up. Hold it as high as you can for 3-5 seconds. Repeat with each finger.

3. Hot and cold therapy for hands

Immerse hands for 5 minutes in cold water or apply ice, helps reduce swelling. Ice should always be covered with a protective cloth to avoid damaging the skin. They are then submerged for another 5 minutes in warm water to help relax the joints.

The alternation of cold and heat stimulates circulation and relieves joint pain.

It has also been verified that paraffin treatments soothe and help reduce stiffness and pain.

4. Capsaicin Cream

Another topical option that works is capsaicin creamwhich is used as a pain cream and generates heat.

You can buy it already made or make it at home. It is not advisable to use it on broken or broken skin, and it must be avoid contact with eyes and mouth after using it, since it can irritate the mucous membranes and cause burning.

How to make capsaicin cream: add 2 to 3 cayenne peppercorns to two teaspoons of olive oil.

5. Anti-inflammatory Supplements

The following supplements target inflammation and may be helpful in alleviating some of the symptoms of arthritis of the hands and other joints. It is always advisable to consult with a doctor or specialist:

Boswellia (Boswellia serrata).Inhibits different pro-inflammatory molecules such as the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase, the complement system and the nuclear transcription factor Kappa-B (NF-KB), at the same time as promotes cartilage regeneration. A dose of 500 to 1,000 mg daily is usually recommended.Turmeric (Curcuma longa). It neutralizes the inflammatory action of prostaglandins PG2, interleukins and cyclooxygenase (COX2). It is considered one of the most effective plants to treat arthritic processes. A dose of 500 to 1,200 mg daily is usually recommended.Digestive enzymes. They help break down food components, eliminate accumulated toxins and prevent intestinal translocation of partially digested protein complexes. They exert a systemic action on inflammation. One has to take them outside of meals. A dose of 1 tablet containing proteases, carbohydrases and lipases is usually recommended.nettle leaf (urtica dioica). The hydroethanolic extract of the nettle and its main phenolic constituent, caffeylmalic acid, inhibit highly inflammatory molecules such as leukotrienes, prostaglandins and platelet aggregation factor (PAF). It is very effective in treating inflammatory processes derived from alterations of the immune system. A dose of 200 to 400 mg daily is usually recommended.Omega 3. Reduce the production of inflammatory mediators and inhibit the inflammatory response. A dose of 1,000 to 5,000 mg daily (DHA and EPA combined) is usually recommended.

Ozone. Eliminates pathogens and favors the homeostasis of the immune system. It also stimulates the body’s own protective enzymatic systems. Low concentrations exert important therapeutic effects. A dose of 5 to 10 mg daily is usually recommended.MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). This sulfur-derived compound is found naturally –although in small amounts– in fruits, vegetables, and legumes (especially alfalfa, garlic, onions, broccoli, asparagus, or sunflower seeds). It is a very effective remedy against most inflammatory problems involving tendons and ligaments. A dose of 1,000 to 2,000 mg daily is usually recommended.Probiotics. They regenerate the intestinal microbiota, inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria and regulate the activity of the immune system. It is usually recommended a doses of 4,000 to 24,000 million live units of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.Vitamin D3. It plays an important role in the immune system’s response to reduce the production of proinflammatory cytokines. A dose of 400 to 2,000 IU daily is usually recommended, and can go up to 50,000 (under medical supervision) in severe autoimmune pathologies.

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