Complementary therapies may help arthritis patients

People with arthritis may benefit from using complementary methods to manage their pain, according to one expert.

Kate Llewelyn, head of information at Arthritis Care, explained that many patients find "complementary and alternative therapies helpful", as they can ease the symptoms of arthritis.

Some of the best therapies to use alongside conventional treatments include acupuncture, Alexander technique, aromatherapy and hydrotherapy, she said.

"Although there is little evidence to prove their efficacy, people with arthritis need hope that they can find relief from the debilitating pain of rheumatoid arthritis.”

Some doctors will even recommend courses of alternative therapy, but Ms Llewelyn warns people to be wary of any practitioner who recommends stopping conventional treatment altogether.

Medical treatment is vital for arthritis patients and can make a huge difference if administered at an early juncture to control the disease.

Losing weight and doing exercise can also help relieve symptoms of arthritis by reducing the pressure put on joints and keeping them moving as much as possible.

Find the nearest Barchester care home.