Eleven arthritis remedies that really work (and others to be wary of)

From telegraph.co.uk

By Luisa Metcalfe

Experts reveal which complementary treatments can help reduce pain and ease flare-ups – and which may be a waste of your money 

If you’re one of the estimated 10 million people in the UK living with the agony of osteoarthritis (OA), chances are you’ve already veered from the traditional NHS trinity of recommended remedies – weight loss, ibuprofen and exercise – in search of alternative relief from your knee, hip or hand pain.

In a 2024 survey by Arthritis UK, 87 per cent of people with arthritis said they had used some form of complementary medicine to manage their symptoms, with 61 per cent saying they had taken supplements and 26 per cent saying they had tried herbal medicine. The 2,800 respondents included both people living with OA, the chronic condition where the protective cartilage in a joint wears away, and people with inflammatory arthritis, which includes the autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Many remedies for one form of arthritis can be helpful for others too. “There are lots of treatments available for inflammatory arthritis because you can target the autoimmune system,” says Dr Julekha Wajed, a consultant rheumatologist at Kingston Hospital.

“What’s interesting is that with ultrasound and MRI scans, we can see that some people with osteoarthritis also have inflammatory changes.”

With a new study indicating that taking prebiotics could be beneficial, we ask the experts which complementary remedies could help reduce the pain and stiffness of OA or ease RA flare-ups – and which may be a waste of your time and money.

                                    Hydrotherapy, prebiotics and a Mediterranean diet are among the remedies approved by rheumatologists

The more promising treatments…

1. Prebiotics

Gut health might well be the foundation of good health: A diverse microbiome is linked with a strong immune system, low inflammation and a healthy heart.

In a study carried out at the University of Nottingham, a daily supplement of inulin – a prebiotic fibre found in Jerusalem artichokes and onions – was found to significantly reduce pain in people with osteoarthritis.

The inulin feeds “good” gut bacteria, leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids that play a role in inflammation and pain pathways in the body.

A fibre-rich Mediterranean diet can also help people with RA. “Pro- and prebiotics are good for gut health,” says Wajed. “If you improve your gut health, it improves your inflammation levels, and that, in theory, improves inflammatory arthritis.”

2. Turmeric

Turmeric isn’t just key for some of the world’s most delicious meals but is also a powerful anti-inflammatory thanks to its active ingredient, curcumin, which can be taken in powder or capsule form.

“There are various double-blinded, randomised controlled trials that show high-bioavailability curcumin is associated with improved pain scores and improves joint mobility and function for both hand and knee OA,” says Wajed.

Applying curcumin in a gel directly on the joint might also help, according to an Australian study of patients with knee OA.

3. Hot and cold therapy

If you need a reprieve from painful joints, a hot water bottle can help. Hampshire GP James Hubbard explains: “Heat increases blood supply to the joint, which then increases your range of movement, which in turn reduces pain. When you have better use of your joint you can maintain it for longer.”

A cold gel pack or bag of frozen peas may help to soothe hot, swollen joints from a flare Credit: Filmstax/iStockphoto

Wajed adds: “For people with pain and stiffness and low-grade aching pain, heat bags and pads may give a gentle relief. However, if you have a hot swollen joint from a flare, you need to put cold on the painful area. Use a gel pack or bag of peas from the freezer rather than cold gels or sprays. Apply for five minutes to reduce the inflammation.”

4. Capsaicin

You may not be a fan of spicy food, but capsaicin, the active compound in chilli peppers, could help with your osteoarthritis joint pain.

“It’s recommended as an alternative to anti-inflammatory cream,” says Wajed.

NHS advice is to apply a pea-sized amount of prescription-only capsaicin cream to your joints up to four times a day to block the pain messages being transmitted to the affected area.

5. Specialist pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)

The Mediterranean diet is the gold-standard dietary pattern for a long, healthy life, and at its heart are omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish such as sardines and salmon and in nuts. “Omega-3 lowers levels of inflammatory cytokines, known as TNF, IL-17 and IL-6 that we see in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and this reduces the inflammatory response,” explains Wajed, who recommends omega-3 supplements for both RA and OA.

Oily fish such as salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids Credit: E+

A supplement derived from omega-3 fatty acids is now offering hope for those with OA. “Specialist pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) help calm low-grade systemic inflammation and support the body in switching it off,” says VJ Hamilton, a registered nutritionist who founded the Autoimmune Nutrition Clinic.

Patients with knee osteoarthritis taking SPMs for 12 weeks as part of a Spanish double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study showed “reduced pain” and an “improved quality of life”.

6. Meditation

Taking a few moments each day to clear your mind could have a dramatic impact on your arthritis. “Meditation has changed my life,” says Emily Johnson, 32, who wrote Beat Arthritis Naturally and shares tips for managing her pain and symptoms of inflammatory seronegative arthritis on Instagram as Arthritis Foodie. She says it is a powerful way to reduce stress, which can affect the immune system and inflammation.

Her experience is backed by research, including a 2020 Chinese meta-analysis of six randomised control trials that found that mindfulness meditation was associated with reduced pain intensity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

7. Tens machine

A handheld device delivering small electric shocks will be familiar to many women who have used it to take the edge off during labour, but a Tens (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine could help ease both OA-related and RA-related discomfort.

It’s thought to work by encouraging the body to release natural painkillers and to stop the pain messages at the affected area from reaching the brain.

A Tens machine encourages the body to release natural painkillers and stops pain messages from reaching the brain Credit: Science Photo Library/Alamy Stock Photo

In the Arthritis UK survey, 63 per cent of Tens machine users reported that the device eased back pain.

Osteopath Nadia Alibhai, the director of the west London clinic Back 2 Well, says, “Tens machines can bring quite a bit of relief, particularly with my older patients who aren’t very mobile.”

8. Hydrotherapy

Getting into water can provide instant relief for OA and RA sufferers, with hydrotherapy being the highest-rated physical therapy in the Arthritis UK survey, where 77 per cent of respondents found it effective.

Unlike strenuous aqua-aerobics, hydrotherapy involves performing special movements in a heated pool.

“The resistance from the water helps strengthen muscles, and you’re also working on your balance at the same time,” Alibhai says, “which is so important for osteoarthritis.”

A 2022 review by Brazilian researchers found that people with RA who took part in “aquatic exercise” had “significantly improved” disease activity and improved physical function.

9. Cinnamon

Don’t just save cinnamon for your apple crumbles – the spice might help with pain relief year-round for women with rheumatoid arthritis.

A clinical trial has linked cinnamon supplements with RA pain relief and reduced levels of inflammation Credit: Martin Puddy

A small randomised, double-blind clinical trial published in 2018 found that women taking four capsules of 500mg of cinnamon powder daily for eight weeks had reduced levels of the inflammation marker C-reactive protein and less tender, swollen joints than women who took a placebo.

10. Wax bath therapy

Wearing a warm glove of wax is the go-to treatment for many people with OA in their hands. According to a 2023 review, paraffin bath therapy “significantly reduced” pain scores and improved grip and pinch strength.

At-home wax baths are available to purchase at high street chemists or online, and the NHS advises users to dip their hands into wax, no hotter than 51.7 degrees Celsius, to coat the skin.

11. Epsom salts

Soaking in a bath full of Epsom salts (a natural mineral compound, magnesium sulphate) has been recommended for centuries as a treatment for joint pain, and a small 2025 study that gave 32 people Epsom salt baths for seven days suggests our forbears may have been on to something.

“Epsom salts reduce pain and improve the activity of daily living,” the researchers concluded. Hubbard adds, “Soaking in a bath helps with muscles and soreness and a warm bath can also improve sleep, which is often disrupted by joint pain.”

…and the treatments that may be more of a gamble

1. Rose hip

Nutrient-dense rose hip is a popular supplement for the treatment of osteoarthritis, and many people who take it swear by it.

Gopo Joint Health supplements, which contain the active compound glycoside of mono and diglycerol, found in the rose hip Rosa canina, are a popular choice with sufferers.

The evidence for rose hip as an osteoarthritis treatment is limited, though some people swear by it Credit: Elena Lavrinovich/Moment RF

Containing polyphenols and anthocyanins believed to ease joint inflammation and prevent joint damage, rose hip is also high in the antioxidant vitamin C, which can protect the body from harmful free radicals.

Arthritis UK, however, says that rose hip “may modestly ease osteoarthritis symptoms” but that “more high-quality trials are needed”, while Wajed says: “Evidence is limited, but I do recommend trying it and using it if it helps.

2. CBD rub

Trendy cannabidiol oil, popularly known as CBD, has soared in popularity for its calming properties, as well as offering pain relief and reduced anxiety. Found in marijuana, but without the chemicals found in the drug that make users feel “high”, it’s also been touted as a treatment for painful arthritic joints.

In 2024, Canadian researchers conducting a review of the literature around using cannabidiol as a topical treatment for “management of acute inflammatory pain”, found that it showed “great promise” but that work remained to be done to ensure “tangible clinical benefits”.

3. At-home red light therapy

The skincare trend embracing anti-ageing red light masks shows no signs of slowing down. Now the same technology – photobiomodulation (PBM), which includes red light therapy – is becoming increasingly popular for tackling aches and pains.

“Red light is known to be anti-inflammatory, healing, and it stimulates collagen,” says Alibhai. “A lot of people use it for their joints for that anti-inflammatory effect.”

Red light therapy is being investigated as a pain treatment, but it can be an expensive option to try Credit: Collab Media/iStockphoto

But while a recent review said red light had “potential” as an “effective and non-invasive arthritis treatment”, it also said further research was needed on the effects of different wavelength ranges, dosage and treatment duration.

Red light devices such as panels, mats and knee wraps, which are available in stores and across the internet, and cost up to £549, are potentially an expensive mistake.

5. Collagen

Already in demand as an anti-ageing skin supplement, collagen is becoming increasingly popular with arthritis sufferers hoping to rebuild and support the cartilage in their joints. But the key lies in choosing the right kind.

Type II collagen, which is naturally in cartilage, has been found to offer small improvements in pain and stiffness for people with knee OA. Hamilton also says it may help with RA by reducing the body’s autoimmune response from attacking joint cartilage.

She also advises trying hydrolysed collagen, a different form that has been broken down into easy-to-absorb amino acid chains called peptides. Wajed’s verdict: “I weakly recommend it. Perhaps try it for three months – if it works for you, great. If not, don’t waste your money.”

5. Glucosamine

A natural compound found in healthy cartilage and joint fluid, glucosamine is among the most popular health supplements taken by people hoping not just to relieve joint pain but also to prevent joint disease.

When it comes to osteoarthritis, however, Arthritis UK says glucosamine’s benefits “are uncertain and generally modest”, while Wajed adds: “There isn’t strong evidence for glucosamine, but going on my patients’ anecdotal experience, it can help with pain management and improved function, so might be worth trying.”

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/conditions/bones-joints/arthritis-remedies-best-worst/

‘I used cryotherapy to treat my agonising arthritis’

From getthegloss.com

By Emma Elms

When journalist Emma Elms woke up one day with shooting pains in her back, neck and fingers, her biggest fear was not being able to write. After being diagnosed with acute osteoarthritis she found an unexpected way to treat it 

One day I was fine, the next I could barely move. Overnight, I went from being a lively, active 50-year-old to being in agony with shooting pains in my back, neck and shoulders. My GP said it was a muscular strain, while a private physio told me I had sciatica. It turned out both were wrong. A month later, an X-ray revealed that in fact I had acute osteoarthritis of the neck.

Often referred to as ‘wear-and-tear arthritis’, it seems, despite still feeling 21, my age is finally catching up with me. Osteoarthritis (OA) typically occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of the bones gradually wears away, causing bones to rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. So, why me? How did I suddenly end up with an agonising case of OA, seemingly out of the blue? I later discover it’s both my job and my lifestyle that’s to blame – a double-whammy of carelessness on my part.

The pain first appeared after a frantic dash to the theatre, while carrying heavy bags. What really finished my neck off was then spending 10 hours typing at top speed the next day to meet a deadline.

Emma hard at work on her laptop – which is how the trouble started (image: Grace Murray @graceinaaa)

The pain was so bad, it began radiating down my arms to my fingertips, making typing near impossible. I began to panic. It even hurt to WhatsApp my friends.

Over the next few days, I was in such agony, it felt on a par with early labour. At one point, I found myself writhing around on the kitchen sofa at 4am, making strange animal noises to cope.

Desperate to get some sleep, I went back and saw a different GP, who prescribed me three codeine tablets a day to help mask the pain. She also warned me about my poor posture when typing, suggesting I invest in a new height-adjustable desk.

It was fun feeling all floaty on the codeine at first, but then the drugs began to wreak havoc on my mood – sending me on a rollercoaster from high to low. They’re super-addictive too, so I decided to stop taking them.

The chiropractor managed to grant me a couple of hours of pain relief, by manipulating my neck and back. But it was short-lived.

Thinking back to what helped me through labour, I decided to order a mini, adhesive TENS machine. Resembling a thin black butterfly, this nifty device uses gentle electrical impulses to block your body’s pain signals at source. It’s ideal for targeting pain in the neck, back, shoulders and arms, both at home and on the move. I stuck it on the back of my neck and having electrical impulses coursing through me all day did help. Yet still it wasn’t enough to eradicate the pain, plus I couldn’t sleep with it on.

Then I had a brainwave. I’m a regular outdoor swimmer so can handle the cold and when I’d once tried cryotherapy (aka going in a human freezer) in a spa, I loved it. Instinctively, I knew this would help my neck pain. And I’m happy to report… after just five sessions, spread over a fortnight, it worked! By the time I finally found out that I had arthritis, I was back to normal, turbo-typing and happily texting my friends.

What is whole-body cryotherapy?

I tried whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) where you climb inside a special cryo chamber for 2-4 minutes, exposing your body to sub-zero temperatures, minus 87 degrees in my case. Once the preserve of elite athletes and fancy biohacking clinics (often as part of a contrast therapy ‘circuit’ alongside saunas), cryotherapy chambers are increasingly mainstream, popping up in gyms and spas nationwide. Jennifer Aniston and  Mark Wahlberg are both fans and many people use them for recovery, post exercise, as they’re said to help reduce muscle inflammation. (Can’t face the freeze? Cryo beds are a gentler option – check out our review).

During my sessions, I popped some house music on Spotify to get me dancing, others prefer to jog. Either way, you need to keep moving.

I wore shorts and T-shirt, so I could feel the full benefit of the cold, but you also have to don a face mask, gloves, a fleece headband and cosy slippers/boots to keep your extremities warm.

Its multiple health and wellbeing benefits include everything from “reducing joint pain and aiding muscle recovery” to “improving sleep, reducing stress and enhancing your mood”, according to Hannah Furness, a clinical specialist physiotherapist. Yes to all five, in my case…

Baby, it’s cold inside: Emma goes into the cryo chamber (Image: @revitalis_london)

How does cryotherapy help with pain?

“Cryotherapy is an umbrella term meaning ‘cold therapy’ which has been used as a pain management method for thousands of years,” says Furness, founder of StrongerThan Physiotherapy.

“Whole-Body Cryotherapy is used to reduce inflammation and relieve the pain associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis. It helps to suppress and slow down cytokine production – these are the chemical messengers in the body that prompt inflammatory and immune responses,” she explains.

WBC works to ease pain and inflammation in several other ways too: “It reduces the speed of blood flow, so it slows down the speed at which inflammatory cells accumulate,” says Furness. “The cold also helps to reduce swelling, whether applied locally or used as a whole-body treatment, which is why cryotherapy is often useful for acute sporting injuries.”

Is cryotherapy scientifically proven to work?

There is strong evidence suggesting it does help to reduce pain. “A 2016 study in Poland examined 50 people undergoing WBC for hip, knee and lower joint pain and found that 78% of those reported a significant improvement in their perceived pain,” say Furness. “Interestingly, it found there was a reduction in the number of pain medications they needed to take afterwards too.”

A second more recent study, also in Poland, in 2022, looked at 30 people with lower back arthritis, known as lumbar spine osteoarthritis. “They underwent a series of three-minute WBC sessions, also followed by 45 minutes of rehab exercises, and again reported a significant improvement in their pain levels.”

This research examined their blood test results too. “It found in the short-term their cortisol levels had slightly risen, probably because being subjected to extreme cold triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response,” says Furness. “It also slightly raised their endorphin levels [the body’s feel-good hormone].”

What are the other benefits of cryotherapy?

“As well as helping with pain, cryotherapy can enhance your mood, reduce stress and improve your sleep,” says Furness. “Evidence doesn’t currently recommend it for weight loss or to relieve menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes, but research is still ongoing.”

How will you feel after a session of cryotherapy?

I like to warm up immediately afterwards with a cup of tea. For me, the endorphin high lasts for 24 hours after every session. Each time, I felt happy, energised and raring to go afterwards.

Is cryotherapy suitable for everyone?

No, anyone with cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure or heart disease, should avoid it. It’s also not recommended if you’re pregnant, have an active infection, severe anaemia, a history of fainting or a cold sensitivity like Raynaud’s phenomenon (reduced blood flow to extremities).

Bear in mind too that women tend to feel colder more quickly than men, Furness points out. “Our skin reacts more quickly to cold and our body goes into vasoconstriction (the narrowing of blood vessels) more quickly to protect our vital organs, so research suggests a shorter exposure to extreme cold is recommended for women than men.”

A cryotherapy chamber: think adult-sized freezer

How much does cryotherapy cost?

I had cryotherapy in two different places. At The Glass House Spa in Essex it costs £55 for one session, £195 for a block of five treatments or £350 for 10 sessions.

At Revitalis, a recovery and performance clinic in Clapham Junction, South London, it costs £28 for a trial session, then £40 per session, £180 for five sessions, £350 for 10 or £400 for a month of unlimited use.

Cryotherapy for arthritis: my verdict

Four months on, I’m still happily pain-free, with not even a hint of OA. Much to my teen daughters’ alarm, I’ve bought a granny-style shopping trolley which I now wheel everywhere to ensure I don’t strain my neck or back again by carrying heavy bags. I’ve also followed my doctor’s orders and invested in a height-adjustable desk to save my neck.

Cryotherapy had so many benefits for me, especially in terms of boosting my mood, so it’s continued to be a once-a-month treat. No matter how busy I am, as a mum-of-three working full-time, I can always squeeze this in. It only takes a few minutes, after all, and I still buzz for 24 hours afterwards, telling anyone who’ll listen how brilliant it is. Now I’m out of the fog of pain, it seems incredible that for around £200, anyone in the same boat could potentially cure their OA, just like I did. Now that’s got to be a worth a try.

https://www.getthegloss.com/health/cryotherapy-arthritis/

Mother's Day Gift Guide for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis

From everydayhealth.com

Moms do a lot (understatement of the year), so when Mother’s Day comes around, it can be tough to choose the perfect gift to express your gratitude. If your mom — or grandma or other mother figure in your life — has rheumatoid arthritis (RA), then choose a thoughtful gift that honours her condition while simultaneously making her life easier.

Finding the right gift for someone with RA can be tricky. First, you should have a good idea of your mom’s relationship with her RA. Is she open about it, sharing when RA is affecting her daily life? Or is she more private, perhaps even keeping her RA diagnosis under wraps?

Someone more open about their condition may be more excited by gifts designed for people with arthritis, like adaptive equipment such as mobility assistive or protective devices. If your mom doesn’t like to talk about her RA, a gift that subtly addresses the challenges she lives with due to RA (like a massage or meal delivery voucher) may be a better choice.

You don’t necessarily want to centre your gift on your mom’s RA on Mother's Day; rather, show her that you notice and care.

Ultimately, you know your mom best. Some prefer pampering, others prefer the practical, and still more want a mix of both. A caring card, flowers, and donation to her favourite charity are always a great place to start. If you want to get more specific to her RA, consider the suggestions below.

1. Jewellery

Jewellery is a wonderful Mother’s Day gift but can present challenges for people with RA. RA is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, most commonly affecting the small joints in the hands. This can make fine motor tasks like handling jewellery quite difficult.

But that doesn’t mean you have to skip jewellery altogether. “When buying jewellery, look for large or magnetic clasps that don’t require fine pinching,” says Maggie Strode, an occupational therapist and hand therapist who works with people with RA in New York City.

Bracelets, necklaces, and earrings are often better choices than rings. “Rings are tough [for people with RA] because of the swelling that develops in the joints with arthritis,” says Strode.

If your mom particularly loves rings, look for ones that are adjustable in diameter or perhaps can open and close to accommodate fluctuations in finger swelling.

Assistive devices can help with finicky jewellery clasps, too. If you’re giving your mom a non-adaptive piece of jewellery, then adding in one of these devices may mean she gets more use out of your gift.

2. Paraffin Wax Bath

A paraffin wax bath will certainly be appreciated by anyone with RA. This device soothes achy joints in the hands. It is often used during hand therapy sessions for RA, but one can be purchased online and is easy to use and operate at home.

Using a paraffin wax bath involves melting wax capsules and dipping your hands in three to five times, then covering them with a towel and heating pad and resting for 15 to 20 minutes. Exact instructions can vary with the device.

Paraffin wax baths “should not be used by people with a lack of sensation or open wounds,” says Strode. “However, when following the directions, and keeping the bath within 125 to 130 degrees F, they are very soothing.”

Strode also recommends purchasing unscented wax capsules along with the bath, since these are least likely to irritate the skin.

3. Stylish Compression Gloves

Some people with RA may benefit from compression gloves, which are slightly tight gloves that cover the wrists, hands, and fingers but leave the fingertips free for functional activities. “Compression gloves provide warmth and compression that can help manage joint pain and maximize joint mobility,” says Brandy Archie, an occupational therapist and the founder of adaptive equipment resource AskSamie, based in Kansas City, Missouri. People with RA should review the use of compression gloves with their rheumatologist and occupational therapist.

While a lot of compression gloves for arthritis are bulky and clinical looking, Archie notes that you can find sleeker ones in a range of colours — adding a stylish touch to a garment that might otherwise feel like a frustrating reminder of your mom’s RA.

Whether you want to go subtle with skin tones or bright with hot pink or lilac, there are tons of choices.

4. Sun Protection

Your mom might appreciate sun-protective clothing and accessories because people with RA are often more sensitive to the sun. RA itself doesn’t cause sun sensitivity, but some of the medications taken for it can increase photosensitivity.

Clothing like a beach cover-up, loose long shirts and trousers, a sun hoodie, and UV-protected clothing, as well as accessories like a beach umbrella, sun hat, sun gloves, and a luxurious facial sunscreen, are good choices.

5. Loungewear

Beyond sun protection, new clothes in general are a nice gift choice for Mother’s Day.

However, RA can make getting certain clothing on and off challenging. Look for clothes that are easy to put on and take off. For example, skip tops with buttons and tight clothing in favour of loose shifts and open cardigans. “With RA, make sure the clothing is not too restrictive,” says Strode. “Something like linen that is light and generally loose is comfortable.”

If your mom’s been eyeing a special piece of clothing that looks overly complicated to get on and off, then you might consider gifting her some adaptive tools. Devices like button hooks, shoe horns, zipper pulls, magnetic button helpers, shoe buttons (which keep shoelaces in place, preventing the need to retie laces), elastic no-tie shoelaces, and sock aids can make a big difference, so she doesn’t have to sacrifice her fashion sense due to RA.

                                                                                                                           iStock; Adobe Stock

6. Massage or Spa Voucher

A massage is a particularly luxurious gift that many moms with RA will love. And it can be more than simply indulgent; clinical studies have found that various forms of massage — Swedish, aromatherapy, and foot reflexology — can reduce pain, improve joint function, and enhance psychological well-being in people with RA. If you’re hesitant to book something like this for a mom with painful joints, here are some tips.

First, opt for a voucher instead of booking a massage or spa day outright. This gives your mom some agency, as well as the flexibility to book a date that works for both her RA symptoms and her schedule.

If your mom doesn’t already have a go-to massage therapist, then it’s worth doing some research to find one who’s suitable.

Grace Leger, owner and massage therapist at Elite Injury Rehab in Boulder, Colorado, has experience providing massage services for clients with RA. “When researching locations, first call the front desk and ask if any of the therapists have experience with rheumatoid arthritis,” she says. She advises looking for massage therapists who are familiar with myofascial techniques, chronic pain support, lymphatic drainage, lomilomi (a Polynesian kneading massage), and craniosacral therapy (a gentle hands-on method to help release tension in your body’s connective tissue), all of which may help with RA symptoms.

For something cheaper and more accessible than a professional massage, Leger recommends gifting your mom a lacrosse ball. These firm balls can be great for people with RA to perform self-massage, for example, by rolling their hands on a table.

7. Ergonomic Makeup Tools

Moms who are into beauty and makeup will appreciate restocking their go-to products or getting a trendy product that’s new to the market. However, applying makeup can be tough for people with RA. You may have even noticed that your mom uses makeup less frequently, even if she loved it before.

“Makeup is all fine motor work,” says Archie. “You’re gripping tiny tubes, twisting caps, and holding a mascara wand steady.” RA can particularly affect the finger joints, making them swollen, stiff, and painful to move. “The more you bend and hold those joints steady, the more challenging the task. So putting on makeup is a key challenge,” Archie says.

Look for makeup products with ergonomic containers and consider giving your mom assistive devices that make application easier for stiff hands. Tools like wide grips can be added to nail polish bottles, and there are makeup tools that require a lighter grasp for people with RA.

8. Meal Delivery Subscription

Treat your mom to a meal delivery subscription this Mother’s Day. RA can make meal prep tough, not only due to painful joints but because RA can cause fatigue as well.

Some companies send meals that are fully prepped and just need to be reheated. Other companies send easy-to-prep meal kits.

“Look for meal kits that have as many prepared veggies as possible,” says Strode, because this can help avoid joint discomfort from repetitive chopping. You might also want to purchase your mom an ergonomic box cutter so she doesn’t have difficulty opening the shipment.

9. Adaptive Cooking Tools

On the flip side, if your mom is an avid home chef, she may not want to give it up due to her RA. Cooking, however, requires lots of twisting, gripping, lifting, and repetitive movements, and this can feel pretty brutal on inflamed joints. Help her work with her RA, not against it, and give her adaptive cooking tools designed for people with limited hand mobility.

Archie recommends electric jar openers and automatic can openers, which reduce joint strain and the risk of injury. You might also consider an electric peeler, rocker knife (for one-motion cutting), spiked cutting board that holds food in place, or extra lightweight pots and pans.

Other kitchen devices that aren’t necessarily marketed as adaptive can also work. For instance, an Instant Pot or air fryer can cut out time in the kitchen and reduce a recipe's steps.

10. Exercise Class Gift Card

All of us can benefit from exercise, including anyone with RA. However, more intense types of exercise can be painful or lead to symptom flares for some people with RA.

“Gentle movement like yoga, tai chi, and Pilates help maintain joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and build the stabilizing muscles around those vulnerable joints,” says Archie.

A gift voucher to a low-impact exercise class (and perhaps even an IOU to attend the class with your mom if her love language is quality time) can support her health. Look for instructors who understand modifications and arthritis.

The Best Mother’s Day Gift for Someone With RA

“The best gifts for someone with RA solve a daily frustration they’ve been quietly working around,” says Archie. “That’s what makes adaptive tools so meaningful. They say, ‘I see you, and I want your day to feel a little easier.’”

Keep that philosophy in mind, and pay attention to what your mom loves to do and what she has trouble doing, and you’ll be sure to pick a gift she’ll adore.

The Takeaway

• When getting gifts for someone with rheumatoid arthritis, consider how RA affects their daily activities, particularly fine motor tasks involving the hands and fingers, which are the joints most commonly affected by this autoimmune disease.
• Adaptive tools like ergonomic kitchen equipment and jewellery with magnetic clasps can help reduce joint strain and make everyday tasks easier without sacrificing style or independence.
• Gentle, low-impact movement can help maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness, while paraffin wax baths provide soothing relief for achy hands.
• When selecting a Mother’s Day gift, consider whether your mom is open about RA or prefers subtle support, and opt for items or experiences that address her challenges while catering to her interests.
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• https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/mothers-day-gifts/