If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, then you likely know that controlling joint inflammation is a key aspect of managing your disease. However, you may be unaware of all of the different ways you can help keep this inflammation under control. While you should never skip your prescribed joint inflammation treatments, you can add non-prescription joint inflammation treatments into your daily routine to combat break-through inflammation and pain and/or help reduce your reliance on pain-relieving medications. 

Read on to learn about three non-prescription treatments for rheumatoid arthritis joint inflammation.  

1. Ice Pack Application

Many people know that the application of an ice pack to the skin can help ease pain and swelling after an injury. However, fewer realize that ice packs can be used to treat inflammation caused by chronic health problems, including rheumatoid arthritis. 

Ice pack application, which is a form of cold therapy, or cryotherapy, reduces blood flow to a joint when applied to it. This temporary reduction in blood flow helps ease inflammation and pain. Cryotherapy also slows nerve activity, which further contributes to the pain relief of cold therapy. To prevent any unwanted side effects of cold therapy, limit ice pack application to 15 to 20 minute time periods when joint pain and inflammation are at their worst. 

2. Fish Oil Supplements

While a fish oil supplement will not provide the quick pain and inflammation relief that ice pack application does, taking one of these omega-3 fatty acid-filled supplements on a daily basis can ease joint inflammation over time. Omega-3 fatty acids have a wide array of health benefits, and these fatty acids help control inflammation almost as much as some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications do. If you enjoy eating fish, then you can add more omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish to your diet instead of taking a fish oil supplement. 

3.Turmeric Supplements

Another natural substance that can help ease rheumatoid arthritis joint inflammation is turmeric. You can take a turmeric supplement daily to obtain the health benefits of this spice or add it to your meals on a regular basis. The main active component in turmeric called curcumin has potent anti-inflammatory properties.

If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, then try one of these non-prescription joint inflammation treatments. If you currently take any prescription medications, obtain your doctor's permission before taking any natural supplement to ensure there are no known interactions between the two. Reach out to a professional to discuss your joint inflammation treatment options.