Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Omega-3 fatty acids are the talk of the town as they seem to  have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body. They contain EPA and DHA which are thought to decrease inflammation. Some studies show a positive anti-inflammatory effect of omega-3 fatty acids with rheumatoid arthritis.

Foods that have Omega-3 fatty acids are cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, and trout. Some plant foods are also sources of omega-3 such as walnuts, tofu and flaxseed.


The American College of Rheumatology, says some people with rheumatoid arthritis have improvement in pain when taking marine omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Relief is achieved after taking the supplements for weeks, not straight away. Studies conclude that some people have such decreased symptoms that they take less anti-inflammatory drugs.

What If I Still Hurt? with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sometimes you might still have pain after using your medicine. Here are some things to try:

• Take a warm shower.
• Do some gentle stretching exercises.
• Use an ice pack on the sore area.
• Rest the sore joint.

If you still hurt after using your medicine correctly and doing one or more of these things, call your doctor. Another kind of medicine might work better for you. Some people can also benefit from surgery, such as joint replacement.

Joints in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease, mainly affecting joints and

A tendon is a band of fibrous tissue that connects the muscle to bone.

Most people with RA have inflammation in the tendons around the joints, especially in the hand.

Nodules may form on the tendons, or the tendon sheath, that surrounds the tendon, may become inflammed.

Why are the tendons affected in RA? Abnormal synovial cells invade and erode, cartilage and bone within the joint. Surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons are weakened.

Abnormal immune response causes the body to produce antibodies to its own tissues. The antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis, known as rheumatoid factors, are antibodies against IgG.

Just some of the great Arthritis resource sites available

American College of Rheumatology
John Hopkins Arthritis Centre
The Arthritis Society
Arthritis Foundation
Arthritis.About.Com
Arthritis Today
All About Arthritis
Canadian Arthritis Network
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA)
Arthritis Community Research Evaluation Unit (ACREU)
Canadian Rheumatology Association
My RA Central
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

How Should I Use Arthritis Medicine?

Before you leave the doctor’s office, make sure you ask about the best way to take the medicine the doctor prescribes. For example, you may need to take some medicines with milk, or you may need to eat something just before or after taking them, to make sure they don’t upset your stomach.

You should also ask how often to take the medicine or to put cream on the spots that bother you. Creams might make your skin and joints feel better. Sometimes, though, they can make your skin burn or break out in a rash. If this happens, call the doctor.

How will the doctor help? re arthritic pain

After the doctor knows what kind of arthritis you have, he or she will talk with you about the best way to treat it.


The doctor may give you a prescription for medicine that will help with the pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Health insurance or public assistance may help you pay for the medicine, doctor visits, tests, and x rays.

Arthritis and Sjögren's Syndrome

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sjögren's Syndrome.
Many people do.
Many people with RA develop another autoimmune disease such as Sjögren's Syndrome, lupus, or vasculitis.
When someone with an established autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, develops extreme dryness of the eyes and mouth it is Secondary Sjögren's Syndrome. When someone has Sjögren's Syndrome and no other autoimmune condition it is called Primary Sjögren's.