Natural remedies may provide relief for arthritis pain, swelling and stiffness, such as exercise, acupuncture and massage therapy.
Diet can have a significant impact on arthritis symptoms; however, results vary from person to person. Experts suggest limiting inflammatory foods like processed or red meat, sugar and fried food as an anti-inflammatory strategy.
Certain nutritional supplements are also helpful for arthritis sufferers, such as omega-3 fatty acids and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Try including more oily fish in your diet and increasing vegetable consumption to see results faster.
Yoga
Although this condition cannot be reversed, there are natural treatments available that can reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. Speak to your physician about exploring alternative therapies like acupuncture, meditation and exercise that could provide some relief.
Your can also try over-the-counter and prescription medications to alleviate arthritis symptoms, including painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen to ease inflammation; disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs that slow progression; and topical creams containing cooling or numbing ingredients.
Acupuncture can provide relief from arthritis pain while increasing flexibility and range of motion. It also assists with stress and anxiety management. Yoga is a mind-body practice combining movement, deep breathing, meditation and breathing exercises; suitable for people of all faiths, ages and abilities alike.
Weight Loss
Some types of arthritis are caused by wear-and-tear damage to cartilage cushioning joints, leading to pain, swelling, and joint damage. Other forms of arthritis are caused by an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) wherein the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue leading to inflammation and pain in affected areas.
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on joints, helping relieve some arthritis symptoms. OTC pain medications like Tylenol(r), Ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin IB) or naproxen sodium (Aleve(r)) may also provide relief.
Regular physical activity and stretching may also help relieve arthritis symptoms. Consult with your physician on safe forms of exercise, such as walking, swimming and water aerobics; they may refer you to a physical therapist or suggest community classes as options.
Massage
Massage therapy has been found to ease joint and back pain by improving blood circulation and increasing production of natural chemicals that reduce sensations of pain, according to research. You could also try self-massage using a home massager.
Acupuncture, an ancient form of Chinese medicine which involves inserting thin needles at specific pressure points on the skin, has been demonstrated to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue as well as improve blood flow and activate natural painkillers within our bodies, according to a 2021 study.
Applying paraffin wax can also help ease joint pain and increase flexibility by melting at a lower temperature than most waxes do, and by adding essential oils such as peppermint or eucalyptus essential oils directly into the wax itself – great ways to provide joint support!
Hot Peppers
Before taking any alternative therapies or natural remedies for arthritis, individuals should first consult a medical provider in order to make sure they will not interfere with any prescribed plans for treating it. Furthermore, using alternative therapies may help decrease how many pain relievers need to be taken each day.
Capsaicin, the main plant compound found in peppers, can help alleviate arthritis pain by stimulating receptors that detect temperature. This interactions then send messages to the brain indicating spicy heat. Pepper’s level of spicy heat is measured using Scoville scale.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a traditional remedy to treat inflammation and autoimmune conditions. Turmeric may help ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by decreasing excessive immune activity and improving joint functionality, leading to improved overall joint health.
Breathing
Deep breathing or meditation can be a useful way to reduce stress, which can exacerbate arthritis pain. Furthermore, practicing these practices may also improve sleep quality which is another effective way of managing arthritis symptoms.
Manage arthritis pain naturally requires taking an integrated approach that includes diet changes, exercise, ice and heat treatments, sleep improvement techniques, stress reduction methods, natural remedies and medications. By working with healthcare professionals, individuals can find an appropriate treatment plan to alleviate arthritis pain and enhance quality of life. One 2020 study demonstrated how boswellia serrata supplements may help decrease joint damage caused by osteoarthritis (OA). For pain relief, an individual could use over-the-counter painkillers such as Tylenol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Antidepressants, corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs could also help.
