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Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine (S Kolasinski, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Despite advances in pharmacologic management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) remains popular adjuncts to therapy among patients for ongoing symptomatology.

Recent Findings

Mind-body interventions are becoming increasingly popular, including yoga and meditation. Randomized controlled trials have found these interventions to be helpful regarding pain, mood, and energy in RA patients. Other CAM modalities, such as natural products, special diets, acupuncture, and body-based therapies, also continue to be used by RA patients with limited evidence for efficacy and safety.

Summary

While there are numerous CAM interventions available, the data is very limited at this time with only low-quality evidence supporting various therapies. Medical providers are more open to the addition of CAM in their patients and require increased education on the topic. Additional research needs to be conducted in order to provide evidence-based recommendations to our patients.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Funding

Dr. DiRenzo is supported by the Jerome L. Greene Foundation.

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  1. Johns Hopkins University, 5501 Hopkins Bayview Circle/Asthma & Allergy Building, Suite 1B.1, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA

    Sara Baig & Dana D. DiRenzo

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  1. Sara Baig
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Correspondence to Dana D. DiRenzo.

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Baig, S., DiRenzo, D.D. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 22, 61 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-020-00938-z

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