13 Natural Treatments for Osteoarthritis


If you're living with osteoarthritis, you don't have to rely only on prescription medications for relief. Thankfully, many natural treatments can help people manage their osteoarthritis pain and improve their quality of life. In this blog post, we explore eight such natural treatments for osteoarthritis that may be beneficial, some backed by science and others relying more on anecdotal evidence. We'll provide an overview of each treatment and recommendations from experienced practitioners in the field. Whether you're just starting on your journey to managing arthritis or looking to expand your existing toolkit - this post has something for everyone!

Exercise

Exercise is an important part of managing and alleviating the pain associated with arthritis. Regular moderate physical activity can strengthen muscles and keep joints flexible, allowing individuals to stay active while reducing inflammation and stiffness. Exercise helps to improve blood circulation, increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the aching joints. Certain exercises, such as aerobics or swimming, benefit people with arthritis as they keep joints well-lubricated without any undue strain or pressure. Exercise will also help reduce stress, boost moods and elevate self-esteem – all of which are important factors in alleviating chronic pain associated with arthritis.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a centuries-old method of Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of thin needles into particular points on the body to release blocked energy and promote healing. Its application in treating arthritis naturally has been studied extensively and it has been found to be effective as both a standalone treatment and in combination with traditional Western medicine approaches. By reducing inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with arthritis, acupuncture helps restore mobility so individuals can go about their normal activities again. Additionally, this natural treatment is free from the nasty side effects often experienced with prescription medicines and contains no adverse reactions, giving it an advantage over many allopathic treatments. Acupuncture should be discussed with a healthcare professional who can determine if it is right for you.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy offers a natural and non-invasive approach to pain relief for those suffering from arthritis. Regular massage can help ease joint pain, such as osteoarthritis, by stimulating blood flow and releasing hormones that reduce inflammation throughout the body. While massage therapy alone is not a cure, it can be used with other treatments, such as physical therapy exercises or medications provided by your healthcare provider. With proper application, massage can provide lasting changes to muscles, improving posture and mobility around affected joints. Additionally, regular massage sessions can help to relieve stress and tension buildup, which is common among people struggling with this chronic condition.

Right Spa

When it comes to treating arthritis naturally, few approaches are as effective as the right spa. The combination of warm water and pressure jets can reduce the joint pain caused by arthritis and soothe the painful areas for long-lasting relief. Additionally, the buoyancy of the water can help reduce weight and pressure on arthritic joints, allowing individuals to continue their daily activities with much less pain. Regularly using the right spa can significantly reduce muscle stiffness around painful joints and improve flexibility. It can also provide an overall sense of relaxation that helps relieve stress, which is also beneficial for managing arthritis symptoms. All these benefits make the right spa an excellent natural treatment option for individuals who have arthritis.

Orthotics

Orthotics can be an important part of natural treatments for arthritis. Orthotics work to control foot motion, redistribute pressure on the body, and provide stability for a more comfortable gait. To maximize benefit, be sure to use orthotics that are prescribed by a physician and made to fit the contours of your feet precisely. With the right orthotics, you can reduce pain and fatigue in arthritic joints and improve overall mobility. Orthotics may also prevent further joint damage from arthritis as they reduce stress on affected joints while walking, running or standing. So if you're looking for a natural, non-invasive treatment option for arthritis, consider adding orthotics.

Mind-Body Medicine

Mind-body medicine (MBM) is an increasingly popular natural treatment for chronic joint pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Research has shown that MBM interventions, such as yoga, meditation, and tai chi, can help people manage their pain in ways that more conventional treatments often fail to do. The practice of MBM involves recognizing and drawing upon psychological components such as emotions and beliefs to achieve mental and physical well-being. By actively engaging with these healing modalities, arthritis patients can improve their physical strength and gain a greater sense of self-awareness, which is so important in managing the condition effectively. Ultimately, mind-body medicines offer hope to those with arthritis who wish to embrace a holistic approach to health without relying too heavily on drugs or surgery related to traditional treatments.

Water-Based Treatment

Water-based treatments, such as hot and cold compressions, hydrotherapy, and aqua exercises, are excellent remedies for those suffering from arthritis. This natural treatment method can reduce overall pain by reducing inflammation of the affected joints and can improve flexibility too. The heat helps to relax muscles to reduce tension and stiffness. Cold treatments provide quick relief from swelling caused by inflammation forcing the blood vessels in the area to contract and reduce swelling. Additionally, hydrotherapy uses water resistance to help build strength while improving joint range of motion with no or little pressure on the joints. Finally, aqua exercises allow patients to swim, jog or perform gentle movements in a warm swimming pool which decreases stress on sore joints yet increases endurance. Water-based treatments offer a great opportunity for those suffering from arthritis to be naturally pain-free while providing a variety of other health benefits, like increased cardiovascular functioning.

Better Sleep

Getting a good night's rest is essential in controlling the symptoms of arthritis, yet it can often be difficult to achieve due to the pain associated with this condition. But research has shown that better sleep may actually be beneficial in reducing arthritis-related discomfort in those who suffer from it. Not only is there evidence that shows improved sleep leads to better mobility, but also improved psychological well-being, which helps create an overall healthier mind and body. Better sleep hygiene, like going to bed at a consistent time each night, having a comfortable sleeping environment, cutting off technology 30 minutes prior to bedtime, and limiting daytime naps, can help encourage the natural treatment for arthritis through better quality sleep.

Conclusion

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution to osteoarthritis, these natural treatments can help you find relief from the pain and discomfort. Have you tried any of these treatments? What has worked for you? Let us know in the comments below.

Updated on: 02-Mar-2023

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