31Arthritis is a painful condition that is marked by inflammation that can cause pain, discomfort, and stiffness in the joints. Due to excessive wear and tear, Osteoarthritis, one of the most common types of arthritis, tends to increase in pain as we age.
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common types of arthritis that causes inflammation of the joints. Osteoarthritis is when the cartilage between the bones will slowly wear down until the bones start to grate against each other.
With Rheumatoid, it is caused by an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the synovial membrane, which is a soft tissue that protects the joints in the body – ultimately leading to bone loss.
Here are 7 ways to get relief from Arthritis Pain Naturally:
1: Lose Weight & Exercise More
If you are overweight, this can play a significant role in the amount of pain you may be experiencing. Because of excessive weight adds more pressure on your joints – especially on your feet, knees, and hips. Losing weight will reduce the amount of stress on your joints.
It also helps decrease pain, improve mobility, and prevent any future damage. Following a lifestyle fitness regime is proven to have many benefits than just weight loss as regular exercise will help maintain and improve flexibility in your joints. Walking and running may cause more damage to your joints whereas low-impact exercises like swimming or water aerobics will not add any stress to your joints.
2: Eat Good Fatty Acids
Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet to obtain optimum health. The fats will not only help your arthritis but take fish oil supplements (which are high in omega-3s) will help relieve joint pain and stiffness. Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is another fatty acid that is found to help treat arthritis pain. It can be found in the seeds of borage, hemp, primrose, and black currant plants. Just be sure to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
3: Include Turmeric & Herbal Teas to Your Diet
Ginger, Turmeric, and Green tea are all anti-inflammatories that will help aid in arthritis pain. Turmeric is a yellow spice is commonly found in Indian and Asian dishes. The active ingredient in Turmeric is curcumin which is a powerful antioxidant. This lowers the levels of specific enzymes that are responsible for the cause of joint inflammation.
4: Hot & Cold Therapy
Hot and Cold treatments such as warm baths can help ease pain and stiffness in your joints. Be sure to follow is cold treatments to gain the best relief in joint pain. Use a gel ice pack and apply directly to the joints that are experiencing the most pain.
5: Acupuncture & a Massage
Acupuncture is an ancient medical treatment in China that uses thin needles to be inserted into specific points on your body. It is meant to restore the balance that your body lacks as well as re-route bodily energies. Studies have proven that acupuncture can reduce pain from arthritis. Just be sure to find an experienced acupuncturist.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, having a regular schedule of massaging the arthritic joints will help reduce inflammatory pain and stiffness as well as help improve mobility. Always be sure to work with a physical therapist that is experienced with working with those who have arthritis and learn to self-massage.
6: Meditation
Using meditation and other forms of relaxation techniques will help you reduce pain by lowering your stress levels and enable you to cope with it. Research shows that are practicing meditation will help bring relief to those suffering from painful joints and depression.
7: Take More Magnesium
Although our bodies require magnesium as it is used in over 300 biomechanical responses in our body, we can’t make it ourselves. Magnesium relaxes our nerve endings and muscles as well as brings relief to pain and stiffness in the joints.
Studies from the American Journal of Clinic Nutrition show that those who followed a diet high in magnesium had overall strong bones and higher bone density. You can use supplements, oils or add foods high in magnesium into your diet.
Traditionally, doctors treat arthritis with painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. However, most medications do cause unwanted side effects that may affect a person’s daily lifestyle. There are many kinds of herbal supplements that claim to help relieve and reduce joint paint. Thus, many are looking for a natural approach to joint pain relief. Always be sure to consult with your doctor before these methods.