9 Natural Arthritis Remedies


Nearly millions of people worldwide are suffering from arthritis. It is frustrating as it causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. While medication and physical therapy offer temporary relief, they have unwanted side effects. Plus, they can be expensive. In this regard, many arthritis patients are counting on natural remedies to help manage their symptoms. In this article, we will discuss the same. We will explore nine natural remedies that can help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation and improve quality of life with ease.

Nine Natural Arthritis Remedies

Exercise

Exercise is essential for patients suffering from arthritis. It can certainly help alleviate existing symptoms and also strengthen joint muscles. However, not all exercises are suitable. For instance, weight-lifting exercises such as running and presses should generally be avoided. You can go for low-impact activities like swimming or cycling. It is also important for those with arthritis to start gradually and stay aware of their body's signals - inflammation and pain should never be ignored. With careful planning and proper technique, exercise can be a powerful ally in staying healthy despite the challenges provided by arthritis.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Applying hot or cold compresses to sore joints has been found to help reduce inflammation, thereby reducing pain and improving mobility in afflicted areas. When applying hot and cold therapy to arthritic joints, it is important to alternate between using something cold (like a frozen gel pack) and then something warm (like a hot water bottle). This helps provide maximum relief while not overheating the joint or irritating the skin. As always, it is good practice to take breaks when using hot and cold therapy, as overworking your joints may exacerbate the condition. Additionally, it is best to start with a short application time. Apply for a few minutes to see how your body reacts. If it is good, increase the length of treatment sessions at your ease.

Massage

Massage is usually known for reducing stress and improving flexibility and range of motion. But, it is equally beneficial in relieving joint pain associated with arthritis. Certain types of massage, like Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage, are ideal for easing muscular tension and joint stiffness common with arthritis sufferers. Heat therapy combined with these massages may also provide greater relief by aiding in increased circulation. However, precautions must always be taken before getting a massage if you suffer from arthritis. It is important to discuss any limitations with your massage therapist before beginning the massage and advise them about any areas that should be avoided or worked more gently on during the session. With the right approach toward your massage session, you can experience safe and effective results that will improve your quality of life!

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can provide great relief for those suffering from arthritis. It has been shown to reduce joint pain and swelling and bring about more mobility for individuals living with this condition. Acupuncture works by inserting small needles into points in the body that correspond with specific organ systems and muscular-skeletal areas prone to arthritic pain. As the needles remain inserted, positive energy is believed to be released, and the body's natural healing mechanisms are stimulated. Those wishing to use acupuncture to alleviate their arthritic symptoms should remember to always tell their practitioner about any medications they are taking so they don't interact negatively with the treatment and also take special care not to aggravate any existing conditions during the session.

Turmeric and Ginger

Turmeric and ginger are two well-known holistic ingredients found in many natural remedies for arthritis. Both of these spices contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce the effects of arthritis. Those looking to reap the benefits of turmeric and ginger for their arthritis pain can include them in their diets in a powder or fresh root form. Alternatively, turmeric and ginger extract supplements are also available in capsule form. Be sure to consult a physician when first trying out alternatives for treating arthritis; turmeric and ginger may negatively interact with certain medications. Additionally, be sure not to exceed the dosages recommended by health professionals since high doses of either spice can lead to adverse reactions.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are a powerful weapon against the pain and swelling caused by arthritis. Their anti-inflammatory properties can significantly improve suffering when taken regularly. Certain foods with high omega-3 fatty acids are

  • Flaxseed

  • chia seeds

  • Eggs

  • fatty fish

While these dietary sources offer several benefits to individuals with arthritis, it is important to research how much to consume-- too much omega-3 from supplements may increase the risk of bleeding or thinning of the blood if one already takes medication for other conditions. It's always best to speak with a health professional before starting any diet or supplementation plan to ensure healthy and safe outcomes.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is an active ingredient of chili peppers and is highly useful for arthritis. It is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it reduces swelling and improves mobility in rheumatoid or osteoarthritis. Though it is typically applied topically, concentrated capsaicin can alternately be ingested orally or intravenously at the direction of a medical professional. However, caution must always be taken as some sensitivity still exists despite its therapeutic effects, and in some cases, side effects such as dermatitis can occur. While the safety of capsaicin continues to be studied, many continue to find benefits in using it as part of their arthritis management plan.

Green Tea

Green tea has good anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it is an ideal remedy for arthritis. The active catechins in green tea possess natural antioxidants, which can help decrease inflammation and reduce joint pain. It is recommended to drink 2–3 cups of green tea a day for maximum benefit. One may also choose to take green tea pills or supplements if desired. However, there are some precautions that should be taken when using green tea for arthritis. Thus, check with a healthcare provider before beginning green tea. Your doctor could tell you the ideal dosage and its possible interactions with other medications.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a common ailment that affects people of all ages. Despite its prevalence, there is no definitive cure for arthritis yet. In this regard, natural remedies are useful for reducing pain and stiffness. We hope that you will make use of these nine natural remedies discussed in the article to your advantage. Making simple lifestyle changes like eating anti-inflammatory foods and getting more physical activity can also help with arthritis symptoms. All nine natural therapies provide potential relief and are recommended by doctors as safe methods of treatment. For those who suffer from arthritis, these nine natural remedies can be examined to determine which one may best suit their needs and give them relief.

Updated on: 30-Mar-2023

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