Here are 9 natural ways to treat arthritis in the comfort of your own home

04/17/2020 / By Janine Acero

Arthritis is a rheumatic condition that affects the joints, the tissues that surround the joints, and other connective tissues. It is often seen in adults aged 65 years or older. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, but there are other rheumatic conditions related to arthritis, including gout, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, that also cause problems, and pain, for millions of people.

According to the latest estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 percent of American adults are diagnosed with some form of arthritis, and more than one in four adults with arthritis reports severe joint pain.

But adults are not the only ones that can develop arthritis; it can affect people of all ages — even children.

Natural approaches for arthritis

While there are different medical approaches to treating arthritis, many people opt for more natural ways to deal with the disease. It may be especially helpful to learn some of these remedies now, given the current public health crisis that has forced people to stay home. (h/t to SteadyHealth.com)

Weight loss – Extra weight can strain your body in many ways. In terms of arthritis, extra weight can add stress, pain and pressure on the affected joints, particularly in the knees, hips and feet. Losing weight will help reduce pain and improve mobility, preventing extra damage to the joints. Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains; limit your consumption of high-fat and high-calorie foods; and watch your portions.
Exercise – Regular movement such as exercise can help maintain flexibility and range of motion in the joints. Low-impact exercises like water aerobics or swimming are more suitable for people with arthritis, as these can help keep joints flexible without adding further stress.
Hot and cold therapies – Hot and cold treatments can help ease and relieve pain, swelling and stiffness of joints. Hot treatments include long, warm showers (especially in the morning) to help ease joint stiffness. You can also use an electric blanket or a moist heating pad to help loosen joints. Cold treatments include applying a gel ice pack or frozen vegetables in a towel to the affected joint for quick relief.
Meditation – Dealing with arthritis can be stressful. Meditation is a healing practice for reducing stress and inducing relaxation. There are meditation techniques that are particularly useful for reducing arthritis-related stress, which can help sufferers to better cope with pain.
Acupuncture – If you want to relieve arthritis pain with acupuncture, it’s important to find a licensed and certified acupuncturist. Acupuncture needles are not placed exactly on the site of pain, but at pressure points such as legs, knees, arms or shoulders. Focusing on these points may reduce inflammation, increase endorphins and cause relaxation.
Essential fatty acids – Omega-3 fatty acids are known to help reduce inflammation, which plays a significant role in arthritis. Consume omega-3-rich foods and take omega-3 supplements like fish oil to help ease joint pain and stiffness.
Turmeric – Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory spice, thanks to its active compound, curcumin. A diet consisting of anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric can help reduce inflammation in the joints, which can ease pain and stiffness in the joints.
Massage – Massages can help reduce joint pain and stiffness, as well as improve mobility. Find a therapist that has previously worked with patients with arthritis, especially if you want to request a personalized massage.
Herbal supplements – Herbs like boswellia, devil’s claw, bromelain, ginkgo biloba, stinging nettle and thunder god vine all have potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve pain, swelling and stiffness from arthritis.

With stay-at-home orders in place nowadays, dealing with arthritis at home has never been easier with these remedies. Learn about other natural cures for arthritis at ArthritisCures.news.

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