Some people with rheumatoid arthritis may prefer using alternative therapies for their condition because they believe that these alternative therapies are safer and more "natural." However, there are a number of considerations to take into account before you try any alternative therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, including whether scientific research has proven that it works and the safety of using it while pregnant or nursing. A few of the alternative therapies rheumatoid arthritis patients may consider include fish oil, special diets, acupuncture, and homeopathy.
Alternative Therapies for Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Overview
Complementary and alternative medicine represent a group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Conventional medicine is medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals, such as nurses, physical therapists, and dietitians. Some practitioners of conventional medicine are also practitioners of alternative therapies.
Among the many reasons that some people prefer to use alternative therapies for
rheumatoid arthritis are:
- Because conventional treatment is not working as well as they would like
- A wish for greater relief of symptoms and/or disability
- Issues with side effects of drug treatment
- A desire to reduce some of the stress that comes from living with a chronic illness and to cope better
- A belief that alternative therapies are safer and more "natural"
- Widespread advertising and attractive claims for many alternative therapy products.
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