My best friend has RA. She has for over 30 years. Here is what I have learned from her. Keep moving. She swims and walks every day. If she does not, she is like a cripple. Also, food choices matter. Stay with foods that are anti-inflammatory. Supplements also matter. Cinnamon, turmeric, etc.. She does take a lot of meds and says having a good rheumatologist is key. I am sorry you are in pain. That stinks big time. I will say a prayer for you!

In my flares, I would move all day. Rest and sleep were the worst. I went the natural route after years of meds - they weren't working too well for me and wasn't willing to do biologics. It has been the best thing ever. I am slipping so things are tightening up on me so I have to get back on track. A hardcore elimination diet and a few supplements - fish oil, vitamin d and probiotics. I felt relief in four days but it took six months for me to make a fist again and two years for the inflammation in my fingers knuckles to go down. Finally can get my ring on and off. And, the elimination diet isn't forever - only until you can figure out your trigger foods which, unfortunately, takes a crazy long time to figure out.

I have multiple auto immune diseases. I have severe RA. I have one of the lupus variants, along with Sjogrens syndrome. Pain is something I live with daily. Recently the stress from the flood situation has really kicked it in over drive. Some mornings I get up hurting worse than when I went to bed. Not a lot of sleep. The drugs are helpful but dangerous it is a decision we have to make. There are so many triggers. It's bad but it is something we can still live with. So it could definitely be worse. I have not been able to wear my rings in a long time.

A couple of otc things that help me some are Biofreeze cold therapy pain relief, I use the roll on or spray on and Arnica gel lotion, I do take Arnica pills too.

I was in remission for a while till the flood and the major stress, I know that is what has caused my current situation.

Unfortunately when you have other conditions that prevent walking or much activity it is that much more difficult.

Krill Oil has worked wonders for the pain I get from an auto immune disease I have. It was suggested to me by an Internal Doctor who incorporates Holistic medicine into his practice. It takes a while before it kicks in but once it does, the difference for me anyways was night and day. Sports Research Krill Oil from Amazon is the brand I have had the best success with. It has a higher concentration of Krill and is a very good quality product.

I too take krill oil.

We also know someone who got into swimming when she started experiencing mobility problems from RA. She swims 5 days a week and swears by the results.

Swimming is a great alternative and highly recommended for RA because it puts no strain on the joints.

In my previous homes all had pools and I was swimming and exercising everyday weather permitted. My mobility was better then also. Unfortunately our current house doesn't have a pool and not a good place for one. I also utilized our spa and hot tubs frequently. I have considered putting a small hot tub in the atrium, being in water deep enough to allow me to float takes the pressure off of the joints a real relief. It's difficult for me to travel to a pool now.

Thank you all for your responses. I will research everything you have suggested worked for you. I wish I could afford a hot tub, I just feel like the wet heat would work wonders. I know when the pain is pretty much unbearable I often soak in a hot tub. I've found heat is the only thing that helps..moist heat, besides narcotics which just make me tired and sick so thats reserved for occasional use and of course steroids once in awhile. Meds can be tricky for me since I'm on blood thinners do to lupus anticoagulant..

Thanks everyone for your suggestions, much appricated.

Do you have hand or feet issues? I would soak my hands or feet in one of those portable foot baths with a lot of epsom salts. That really helped my fingers and feet. I hope you find some comfort in your search.

Have you tried a moist heating pad? I use one when I'm quite chilly in the evening to warm up, and also for my back when it is too sore. I'm sorry you're suffering with this, Mama.

I have a knee edema/swelling issue of uncertain origin that appears to be autoimmune - I did the elimination diet this past fall, and nightshade plants are definitely implicated. So now I eat those sparingly, but I love them entirely too much to ditch them entirely. I find the supplements some people here have mentioned here to be worth exploring. Thanks.

PS, it is just one knee. Hmmm. And yes, doctors have looked at it, and even drained it.... but. They've ruled out all the "culprits" usually available in their books!