Apply Heat And Cold Therapy
Ever notice how a warm shower loosens up your joints and muscles in the morning? If you have arthritis, your answer is probably yes. Did you know you can use both heat and ice to treat your arthritis? Heatsuch as from a shower, bath, electric blanket or heating padhelps relieve stiffness and gets blood flowing to the muscles so you feel able to move again. Ice reduces joint pain and swelling. If your arthritic knee hurts after youve been standing or walking all day, apply an ice pack to the painful or swollen area for no more than 20 minutes. Rest a bit, then move around again to keep from getting stiff.
Natural Therapies For Arthritis Pain
Medication isn’t the only way to manage arthritis pain. Look at these eight natural therapies for arthritis.
1. 8 Natural Therapies for Arthritis Pain
2. Acupuncture
Best for:
3. Massage
Best for:
4. Tai Chi
Best for:
5. Yoga
Best for:
6. Weight Loss
Best for:
7. Physical Therapy
Best for:
8. Topical Gels
Best for:
9. TENS
Best for:
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Medical Management Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Medical management usually involves a combination of more than one treatment modality. The treatment options are:
- Medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs : NSAIDs can relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
- Steroids: Corticosteroid medications suppress the immune system, reduce inflammation and pain, and delay joint damage.
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs : These drugs are extremely effective in the treatment of RA. They suppress internal swelling and relieve symptoms. They can slow the progression and prevent joint deformities and other complications. Some commonly prescribed DMARDs are Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, and Hydroxychloroquine.
- Biological modifiers: These are a newer generation of DMARDs, and they are usually taken with DMARDs to suppress inflammation. Some examples are Infliximab, Rituximab, etc.
Stir In Some Turmeric
The yellow spice found in curries and ballpark mustard contains a powerful compound called curcumin, which inhibits enzymes and proteins that promote inflammation. Several studies have found that turmeric specifically reduces pain and swelling in arthritis patients. How to get some curcumin in your diet? Sprinkle ½ teaspoon on rice or in vegetables daily. Or keep some packets of ballpark mustard in your pocket and break them out at lunchtimeits the perfect dose for arthritis pain relief.
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These Arthritis Home Remedies May Be Worth A Try As Part Of Your Overall Doctor
While medication is a cornerstone and critical part of managing arthritis, home remedies and lifestyle changes can be important in your arthritis treatment plan too, says Susan Blum, MD, MPH, chronic disease specialist, assistant clinical professor in the department of preventive medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, and author of Healing Arthritis: The 3-Step Guide To Conquering Arthritis Naturally.
You need to treat arthritis from a whole body perspective, not simply a medical one, which means incorporating all facets of wellness, including what you do at home, she says. She knows firsthand of what she speaks, noting that she uses home remedies to help her own arthritis and autoimmune disorder. She swears by a daily meditation, green smoothies, gardening, and walking outdoors.
However, its important to note that home remedies should not replace medication. And you need a healthy amount of skepticism when deciding which ones to try and implement, says Don R. Martin, MD, a rheumatologist with Sentara RMH Rheumatology in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Many natural remedies arent backed by science or the research is very limited or weak. And even for therapies that have shown to be effective, supplements and natural therapies are not regulated the same way prescription medications are, so the purity and quality can vary widely, he adds.
Molecule Linked To Risk Of Depression
A blood test that measures the levels of a depression molecule could make it easier to screen for mental health problems at least in women.
In studies on mice, scientists at the Université Laval in Quebec found that blood levels of E-selectin were higher in female mice placed under chronic stress than those that were stress-free.
But there was no such spike in male mice. Researchers said this may partly explain why depression is more common in women than men, according to a report in Nature Communications.
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Home Remedy For Arthritis #9 Eliminate Nightshades
My friend, Carol, mentioned that she had been suffering from joint pain as she got older. While working with a natural practitioner, he suggested that she eliminate nightshades from her diet.
Carol is a pepper lover she can eat bell peppers straight like most people eat apples but she agreed to give it a try. It worked. Pepper free equaled pain free for her.
Members of the nightshade family contain a compound called solanine, which is a mild toxin.
The amount of solanine in an individual fruit is very tiny but some people are sensitive to it.
Other Forms Of Arthritis
As mentioned previously, there are many forms of arthritis. Some less common forms of arthritis include psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and reactive arthritis.
- Psoriatic arthritis. People with psoriasis can also develop arthritis. Typically, they experience swollen fingers and toes, nail changes, lower back pain, eye inflammation, and inflammation of joints, according to a psoriatic arthritis overview by the NIAMS.
- Ankylosing spondylitis. Mainly affecting the spine, ankylosing spondylitis can cause some of the bones in the spine to fuse over time, according to clinical manifestation research published by UpToDate. Early signs include pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Reactive arthritis. Triggered by other infections in the body, reactive arthritis typically targets the knees, ankle, and feet. Signs and symptoms come and go, usually clearing up within a few weeks or months, according to a reactive arthritis overview published by the NIAMS.
Although its not a type of arthritis, lupus is known as an arthritic condition because of the chronic inflammation associated with it. Approximately 95% of lupus patients experience arthritis at some point, according to the John Hopkins Lupus Center. If you or your loved one has lupus, be sure to check for symptoms of arthritis as well.
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- Type X.I.V. Eggshell Membrane Collagen and Type II Chicken Collagen are added to promote normal range of motion and address connective tissue ailments.*
- Hyaluronic Acid helps maintain healthy viscosity of joint synovial fluid for targeted joint mobility and flexibility support.*
Heat And Ice Treatments
Some people with cervical spondylosis benefit from using heat or ice for their neck pain and discomfort.
Moist heat is used to decrease pain, improve circulation, and relax tight muscles around your neck. Heat can be applied in various ways, including:
- Soaking in a hot shower
- Using a hydrocollator moist hot pack
- Placing warm compresses on your neck
- Using an electric heating pad
When using heat, watch out for burns on your skin. Look for excessive redness, skin irritation, or skin discoloration. Heat should be applied for no more than 15 minutes, several times a day. If pain or redness occurs, discontinue use.
Ice may be used for acute neck pain or discomfort, as it is considered an anti-inflammatory treatment that decreases pain and swelling by limited blood flow to the body part being treated. Ice may be applied with an ice pack, ice bag, or cold compress.
You can apply ice to your neck for 15 minutes several times each day. Ice may cause frost burns. Use ice with a towel, facecloth, or other layer between the ice and the skin to avoid skin damage. Discontinue use if you feel increased pain or note excessive redness and skin irritation.
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Medications For Rheumatoid Arthritis
There are multiple prescription medications available for the different types of arthritis. For those who have rheumatoid arthritis , methotrexate is a drug that can slow the disease progression and help manage symptoms. Steroids are another option for some people who suffer from arthritis. Talk to your doctor to determine if a prescription drug can help manage your arthritis symptoms.
Say Hello To Your New Best Friend: The Heated Mattress Pad
A change in the weather, a late night on the town, an unexpected work trip, a call from your mother-in-law once youve been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis you suddenly become aware of all the strange things that can trigger a flare. But while some arthritis triggers are individual, theres one that seems common to almost everyone living with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other types of inflammatory arthritis: dawn.
Morning stiffness, pain, and immobility are so common that having these symptoms for an hour or more after waking up is part of the diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis .
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Alternate Remedies For Rheumatoid Arthritis
More and more people are moving toward homeopathic treatments instead of relying on overpriced prescription medications and costly surgeries many of which individuals, especially those without insurance, cannot afford. Not only that, many people are becoming wary of putting so many manufactured chemicals in their bodies on a regular basis. It seems like everything we ingest nowadays is somehow engineered instead of natural. Perhaps returning to nature is a better alternative than the usual go-to treatments. Well discuss the use and effectiveness of seven natural remedies for RA. Well also share what our research has found as far as success rates go.
1. CinnamonProponents of cinnamon in alleviating symptoms of RA contribute its healing powers to the anti-inflammatory qualities of cinnamon bark. In addition, cinnamon is noted to help with aches and pains, especially when they are worse with cold or cold weather.
The Problem? Cinnamon in large doses can be detrimental to your health. In addition, cinnamon has been found to have potential harmful effects to pregnant women and may negatively react with your bodys natural blood clotting as well as interacts with any blood thinning medications you are taking.
2. Willow BarkWillow bark, as the name quite literally says, is the bark off of willow trees. This bark has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties which assist with pain relief. In fact, it has very similar qualities to everyday aspirin.
Can A Physical Therapist Help With Arthritis
A physical therapist can be highly beneficial. Seeing a physical therapist can relieve joint pain and assist in slowing down the disease’s progression by employing various stretches and exercises. With the implementation of a physical therapist’s advice, muscle strength, balance, and posture will all be improved, which will help relieve pain.
We always recommend speaking to your health care provider for medical advice to assist with managing arthritis. The key to reducing pain is to reduce overall inflammation in the body ultimately. We hope these quick, easy, and natural remedies can help you treat painful arthritis flareups and arthritis symptoms.
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Do: Incorporate Strength And Flexibility Training To Strengthen Your Leg Muscles
A fitness plan for osteoarthritis should include strength and flexibility training along with aerobic exercise, says James Wyss, MD, a sports physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and an assistant professor of clinical rehabilitation medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. Strengthening exercises help support the muscles around the joint, while stretching can maintain and sometimes improve flexibility around the knee, Dr. Wyss says.
Home Remedy For Arthritis #16 Copper Bracelets
As I mentioned at the introduction of the post, my mom wore copper bracelets for arthritis pain relief for many years. First she had a set of bangles, then a solid copper band.
The official word from the medical establishment is that copper bracelets work no better than a placebo for arthritis. Of course, most of the medical establishment is still handing out statin medications like PEZ, too.
Mom felt it helped her, and other people swear by copper bracelets, too. I’d put diet and lifestyle changes first, but I wouldn’t be afraid to give copper bracelets a try, too. Besides, copper bracelets look cool!
If you or someone you knows suffers from arthritis, I hope this article will help you relieve the pain.
This post is provided for informational purposes only and it not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. Please contact a trained healthcare provider if pain is severe or debilitating. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if you are already taking medications, to avoid possible interactions. Be smart, stay safe!
You may also be interest in the rest of our Home Remedies Series, including:
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What Causes Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a complex disease and is still the focus of much research. Approximately 80% of adults aged 55 and over show evidence of OA on their X-rays, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Evidence is growing for the role of systemic factors, such as genetics, diet, hormones, and bone density as well as more acute factors like obesity, muscle weakness, and overuse of joints.
Scientists believe the cause of OA can also depend on which part of the body is involved. For example, OA in the hands or hips may be due to genetic factors. OA in the knees can be linked with being overweight or having past injuries. Overuse can also cause OA in joints, especially in the case of long-term occupations which require repetitive movements.
Cure : Herbs For Arthritis
Herbs are naturally occurring substances which originated from plants or plant derivatives. They have shown immense potential in curing a lot of diseases effectively, including cerebral disorders, muscular problems, and digestive problems. Herbal remedies are easily accessible and dont bear any side effects.
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Simple Home Exercises And Stretches Can Help Ease Some Common Types Of Knee Pain
If youve got sore knees, exercise might seem like the hardest thing you can do but its also one of the best.
âExercise is one of the most important things you can do for knee pain,â says Dr. Lauren Elson, an instructor in physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School.
The right combination of strengthening and stretching exercises can relieve pain by helping to improve the way the joint moves and functions.
âThe knee is often an innocent bystander between the hip and the foot. Knee pain is often caused by problems occurring above or below,â says Dr. Elson.
For example, weak hip muscles may cause more strain on the knee, intensifying your pain. Strengthening the muscles around the hip joint can help relieve it, says Dr. Elson.
In addition, knee pain is sometimes caused or aggravated by tight muscles around the knee, a problem that is often successfully addressed by stretching. If the muscles arent flexible, the knee joint sometimes wont move properly, says Dr. Elson.
Dont: Ignore New Or Worsening Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms
Knee osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, which means that pain is always possible, Pisetsky says. However, if pain grows more severe and occurs at rest instead of after periods of activity, or if it awakens you from sleep, it could mean that your knee osteoarthritis is progressing, he says. Other symptoms such as swelling, a locked knee, or one that just gives way are concerning, too. Let your doctor know about new or worsening symptoms, as an adjustment to your treatment plan may be necessary.
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Home Remedy Treatments For Arthritis
If you find even simple movements difficult,a pool may be the perfect environment for exercise.
There is no cure for arthritis, but you can adopt a variety of coping techniques that will leave you more active and in control of your life. Here are some home remedies to help relieve discomfort and get you back into the swing of things.
Keep moving. Maintain movement in your joints as best you can. This can help keep your joints functioning better for a longer amount of time and, at the same time, brighten your outlook on life. Walking, gardening, and even housecleaning can help your joints.
Exercise, exercise, exercise. There are different types of exercises that are used to help arthritis sufferers. The simplest, easiest exercises that can and should be done by almost any arthritis sufferer every day are called range-of-motion exercises. These flexibility exercises help maintain good movement by putting the joints through their full range of motion. They can help reduce the risk of joint injury, and they provide a great warm-up for more rigorous exercise.
Aerobic exercises , such as walking and swimming, not only help tone muscles and increase their endurance, but they also improve heart, blood vessel, and lung health and are useful for weight loss. Weight-baring aerobic exercises, such as walking or playing tennis , also strengthen the bones. You should try to gradually work up to doing at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days.