Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, called the synovium. This leads to symptoms like persistent pain, stiffness, and swelling in affected joints. Fatigue is also a common symptom. Sauna therapy, involving exposure to high temperatures, is being explored as a complementary approach for various health conditions.
How Sauna Might Affect Rheumatoid Arthritis
Exposure to sauna warmth induces physiological responses that may influence RA symptoms. Heat causes vasodilation, widening blood vessels and increasing blood flow to tissues. This enhanced circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to stiff muscles and joints, potentially reducing stiffness and improving flexibility. It may also aid in removing metabolic waste products.
Sauna warmth promotes muscle relaxation, alleviating discomfort associated with RA. Heat therapy can elevate the pain threshold and reduce muscle spasms, providing temporary pain relief. The body’s response to heat also triggers endorphin release, natural pain-relieving chemicals that reduce pain perception and enhance mood.
While not a direct anti-inflammatory treatment, heat exposure might influence inflammatory processes. Increased circulation could help reduce localized inflammation by improving blood flow. Infrared saunas, specifically, penetrate deeper into tissues, potentially stimulating cellular processes that improve oxygen supply and reduce swelling.
What the Research Says
Research indicates sauna therapy, especially infrared saunas, can improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like pain, stiffness, and fatigue. A 2009 study in Clinical Rheumatology found regular infrared sauna sessions well-tolerated by RA patients, significantly decreasing pain and stiffness. These improvements occurred without adverse effects or disease exacerbation.
Other studies also report reduced pain and improved quality of life with sauna therapy. Infrared saunas are linked to enhanced circulation, which may contribute to symptom relief. Regular sauna use can also indirectly support well-being by reducing stress and improving sleep quality, beneficial for managing RA symptoms.
While these studies show promising results, sauna therapy is a complementary approach to RA management, not a standalone treatment or cure. Further research is needed to optimize protocols, assess long-term safety, and identify specific patient groups who might benefit most.
Safety Guidelines for Sauna Use with RA
Consult a healthcare provider, like a rheumatologist, before starting sauna therapy for RA. This is crucial if you have underlying cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension or congestive heart failure, as heat stress increases cardiac output and heart rate. Individuals with impaired coronary circulation or those taking medications that affect blood pressure also require caution, as heat can cause blood vessels to dilate.
Certain medications can interact with heat exposure or affect temperature regulation. Diuretics, barbiturates, and beta-blockers may impair natural heat loss, increasing overheating risk. Some antidepressants and anticholinergics might also affect temperature regulation or inhibit sweating. Avoid sauna use during acute RA flare-ups, fever, or recent hot, swollen joint injuries.
Implement practical safety measures when using a sauna. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after sessions. Electrolyte-rich beverages can also help. Begin with short sessions (5-10 minutes) at lower temperatures (e.g., 113–140°F or 45–60°C for infrared saunas), gradually increasing duration and temperature as tolerated.
Listen to your body; exit immediately if you feel discomfort, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, or excessive sweating. Avoid alcohol or drugs before or during use, as they impair judgment and heat regulation. For safety, avoid using a sauna alone, especially initially. Sauna therapy complements, but does not replace, prescribed RA treatments.