Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is often a frustrating disease. It can have all the bewildering symptoms of an autoimmune disease, as well as the ups and downs of a chronic pain condition. Luckily, even on bad days there are steps you can take to help counter your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and get back to your normal life. Here are seven things to try

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1. Schedule a massage with a licensed therapist.

Massage therapists offer a range of modalities that can help a person with rheumatoid arthritis.  Sessions can often be cheaper than physical therapy (though they aren’t often covered by insurance) and can help reduce muscle and joint pain. Make sure to check with your doctor before starting massage therapy, and be up-front with your massage therapist about your condition and any pain you experience during or after therapy.

2. Try an acupuncture series.

Acupuncturists insert tiny needles into various places around the affected joints and elsewhere on the body which according to traditional Chinese medicine, these can help regulate the body’s chi, or energy, and help correct imbalances that lead to pain and disease. Although Western research studies have been unable to prove that acupuncture works well for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, some people do report relief.

3. Find a low-impact sport.

High-impact sports, like running or basketball, can put a lot of strain on the already inflamed joints. Instead taking up walking, swimming, biking, yoga, or tai chi helps. One will be able to keep his heart healthy with cardio work while keeping the joints happy with gentle movement and stretching.
Exercise helps maintain range of motion in joints, keep muscles strong, and generally stay fit. And in the short run, moving around has been shown to increase endorphins, those happy hormones that fight pain and boost mood.

4. Take a nap.

One key to manage rheumatoid arthritis is maintaining a careful balance between exercise and rest. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause fatigue along with pain, so it’s important to listen to the body and take breaks when necessary. Even a short rest might help one bounce back better from a workout or a long morning of work or errands.

5. Avoid inflammatory foods.

Some people feel better when they eliminate common problem foods, including wheat, dairy or soy, from their diet. Processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and high-fructose corn syrup are also inflammatory foods you can try eliminating.
Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains has been shown to boost overall health.

6. Get more omega-3s.

Both fish and plant oils, with their omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, have been shown to reduce inflammation and provide some modest relief to people with rheumatoid arthritis, but finding the right dose can be a problem.

7. Try mind-body pain management techniques.

It might sound way out there, but it’s backed up by scientific studies: Some people with rheumatoid arthritis find techniques such as biofeedback, hypnosis, meditation, and prayer helpful in coping with their pain and anxiety.

For further reading log on to
http://health.msn.com/health-topics/pain-management/rheumatoid-arthritis/7-natural-ways-to-manage-rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms