When To Use Cold Therapy
Degenerative arthritis tends to respond well to cold therapy, which decreases blood flow by constricting vessels and can numb the pain, Dr. Koval says.
An easy way to find relief with cold therapy is to apply a gel ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables on the affected area until symptoms improve, explains Dr. Kyriacou.
“The recommended time frame to keep this compress on is usually 20 minutes with the cold compress on and 10 minutes off. Make sure to have a cloth between the ice pack and your skin as you never want it directly touching your skin,” she says.
Talk To Your Doctor About Supplements:
Processed foods, salt, red meat, alcohol, and other foods may increase joint pain and inflammation. Stick to low-calorie whole foods with lots of vitamins and fiber, like leafy greens and beans. You can slower Osteoarthritis progression by maintaining a healthy body weight, controlling blood sugar, choosing a healthy lifestyle, practicing yoga, taking heat and cold therapy, dont pain rule you. Walking, cycling, strength training, hand exercise, stretching are the best exercises for curing arthritis. Hydration is vital for flushing toxins out of your body, which can help fight inflammation. Adequate water intake can help keep your joints well lubricated and prevent gout attacks.
All fruits have health benefits. Some fruits have disease-fighting properties. Like, Avocado, watermelon, grapes, strawberries, etc. citrus fruits cause inflammation. So avoid taking citrus fruits. There are some beverages to ease arthritis pain. Those are like, fresh juices, coffee, smoothies, Red wine, Tea, Water etc.
Add Cloves To Your Diet
Cloves contain an anti-inflammatory chemical called eugenol that interferes with a bodily process that triggers arthritis. In one animal study, eugenol prevented the release of COX-2, a protein that spurs inflammation . Cloves also contain antioxidants, which are important in slowing the cartilage and bone damage caused by arthritis. Aim for ½ to 1 teaspoon a day for joint pain relief.
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What Other Risk Factors May Increase Your Likelihood Of Experiencing Ra
* Gender: Women are much more likely to suffer from this autoimmune disorder.* Weight: Overweight individuals are more prone to developing RA.* Smoking: If you smoke, you are more likely to develop RA, and if you develop it, your symptoms may be more pronounced than those who do not smoke.* Age: RA is more likely to hit you in middle age * Environment: Certain environmental exposures have been found to elevate your risk of RA, including exposure to asbestos and silica.
Keep Your Stress Levels Low
Daily meditation could help reduce your stress and its negative health effects.
Image Credit: svetikd/E+/GettyImages
It can be hard to cope with the pain and other symptoms you may be experiencing with arthritis. Understand that you are not alone and that your feelings are valid.
Dr. Koval emphasizes the importance of reducing stress, as stress has negative health outcomes when it comes to arthritis.
“Studies have shown that stress directly contributes to inflammation and tends to increase pain in all forms of arthritis,” he says. “This creates a vicious cycle, as the pain and inflammation then leads to more stress.”
It is normal to feel frustrated or anxious at times, but if you have a hard time coping with your emotions, consider seeking support from a mental health professional . Coping mechanisms like meditation, exercise and deep breathing may also be helpful to reduce day-to-day stress and pain.
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Vegetables And Fruits Containing Phytochemicals:
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Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower all contain a compound called sulforaphane. While sulforaphane is not an antioxidant, studies indicate it may help prevent or slow down osteoarthritis.
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Alliums like onions, garlic, shallots, and leeks contain another powerful antioxidant called quercetin. Researchers studying the anti-inflammatory properties of quercetin in rats have suggested it has potential as an osteoarthritis treatment.
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Citrus fruits contain high levels of beta cryptoxanthin, which gives them their orange and red colors. This has been shown to maintain joint health and prevent osteoarthritis in mice. Citrus fruits are also a great source of vitamins A and C, which are important for bone and cartilage health.
Meditation For Pain Management
Meditation is an ancient mind and body practice that goes back to Buddhism and other Eastern religions. It puts your focus and attention on the current moment and not letting lifeâs distractions get in your way.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, meditation can promote âcalmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness, and enhancing overall health and well-being.â And research shows meditation can be helpful for managing chronic pain associated with conditions like OA and RA.
A 2011 article in the medical journal Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America looked at the possible benefits of meditation on people with rheumatological diseases like RA and OA, which the author cites as the most significant causes of chronic pain.
The reportâs author further argues that while mind-body therapies can be effective for managing pain, only about 20% of people with chronic pain use them. This 2011 piece also discusses an older study that found only eight weeks of mediation therapy improved pain in people with RA.
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Make Your Own Heat Pad
Fill a cotton sock with uncooked rice grains and seal it. Microwave on high for two to three minutes. When it cools down slightly but is still nice and warm, place it on sore, stiff joints. Your DIY heat pad should stay warm for about half an hour. The rice grains will shape to your body and provide soothing heat. If you have lavender or another fragrant herb on hand, toss it in with the rice grains for an additional relaxing aromatherapy treatment, too.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term disorder that progressively affects many parts of the body. Typically, joints, skin, eyes, heart, lungs and blood vessels are more commonly involved. It is an autoimmune disorder. In this condition, the bodys white blood cells attack its own tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints, leading to local damage, pain and swelling that eventually causes bone erosion and joint deformities. Rheumatoid arthritis damages the other parts of the body as well. It is a chronic disease where patients suffer from frequent flare-ups and periods of remission . Initially, the small joints are affected, especially the joints of the fingers and toes. As the disease progresses, other joints may be affected, like the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders. RA also presents with systemic signs and symptoms and other body systems may be affected in 40% of cases. If not diagnosed early and appropriately treated, RA can lead to permanent deformities, disabilities, and serious systemic complications.
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Natural Treatments For Arthritis Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 50 million Americans now suffer from arthritis. That equates to one in five people over 18 having some form of arthritis! Arthritis is characterized by stiff, aching, hard to move joints and bones. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which affects about 33 million American adults.
Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage between bones and joints wears down, allowing bones to rub together rather than giving them the protection and cushion they need. Cartilage is made up of collagen and other substances that make connective tissue both flexible and strong. Cartilage covers the ends of bones where they meet the joints and deterioration over time can affect the shape and functionality of the joints, making it painful and difficult to carry out everyday tasks.
Apart from nagging pain and loss of mobility, arthritis can also cause various complications. And unfortunately, most conventional treatments for arthritis dont address its underlying causes plus they can cause dependency long term and pose many side effects. Natural treatments for arthritis include eating an anti-inflammatory arthritis diet, staying active and mobile, receiving chiropractic adjustments or massage therapy and using healing essential oils to help control pain.
Sleep Aid Herbal Supplements
- Melatonin – Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland that plays an important role in regulating our sleep-wake cycle, among other body functions. Data from clinical trials suggests melatonin supplements may be helpful in treating sleep disorders, such as jet lag, delayed sleep disorder, and sleep problems related to shift work.33
- L-tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan – L-tryptophan and 5-HTP are precursors to serotonin, which can then be converted to melatonin. Research has been limited on these compounds, with clinical trials of small or limited quality, and no recommendations can be made on their efficacy.33 Increasing levels of serotonin may interact with several anti-depressant medications, so it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider first.
- Kava – Kava comes from the plant Piper methysticum. It has been used traditionally in the South Pacific to promote relaxation. Research has shown that kava may have a small effect on reducing anxiety, but there are safety concerns: Kava has been linked to an increased risk of severe liver disease, and heavy use is linked with heart problems and eye irritation.34
- Valerian – Valerian comes from a plant . There is limited research on valerian as a sleep aid, and results from clinical trials have been inconsistent.35
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Natural Remedies For Arthritis: Tart Cherry Juice
Pucker up! Tart cherry juice can act as an antioxidanteliminating pain by reducing the stress on cells, says Jillian Finker, ND, a naturopathic doctor in Bellmore, New York, and author of Its About Wellness, Naturally. It also helps calm down inflammation by lowering certain proteins that cause swelling. Healthy side effect alert: The fruit elixir increases melatonin, which means it will help you sleep and reduce pain. Sip one to two tablespoons before bed.
Stress And Arthritis Pain
Stress can trigger or intensify pain. Taking a bath or getting a massage can make all the difference in relieving your pain and rehabilitating your joints and tissues. Heat therapies also can relieve muscle tension and reduce stress levels.
Do you have arthritis or joint pain? If you have questions about natural remedies to manage discomfort, speak with our rheumatology experts who offer comprehensive services for the full spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions. For more information, call 1-800-533-8762.
Editor’s Note: This gallery was originally published on July 5, 2015
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Natural Remedies For Arthritis: Fish Oil
Two types of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil could be just what you need to combat those pesky aches and pains. The oil works by decreasing inflammation, which gives joints a chance to heal, even in more severe rheumatoid arthritis cases, Finker says. A typical dosage runs from 1,000 to 3,000mgdepending on your weight. Just make sure the fish oil is pure and that its been tested by a third party for heavy metals and other contaminants.
Meditation For Arthritis Pain
Mindfulness is a type of meditation where you focus your attention on what is being experienced in the current moment. Mindfulness-based stress reduction programs can help to manage any stress and pain that compromise the immune system. This type of meditation also relieves arthritis symptoms, including pain, swollen and tender joints, and early morning stiffness. Improvements are often reported immediately after the program, lasting up to six months.
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Ask Your Doctor About Complementary Medicine
As interest in herbal medicine grows, conventional doctors have become more willing to assess the benefits of alternative remedies.
When treating arthritis, some herbs may complement your current medications. But its important to understand that herbs can cause serious side effects.
Buying herbal treatments from a reputable source is also essential.
The FDA doesnt monitor herbs for quality, purity, packaging, or dosage, so theres no way of knowing if a product is contaminated or contains inactive ingredients.
Discuss all arthritis treatment options with your doctor and dont stop taking prescribed medications unless they recommend it.
Consider Taking An Herbal Supplement
Scientific research has yet to confirm that any herbs or supplements can help ease arthritis. And keep in mind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate supplements for safety. But when taken with your doctor’s blessing, some may be helpful when you’re dealing with arthritis.
“Some of my patients with arthritic pain reported herbal supplements such as turmeric, ginkgo, glucosamine and chondroitin have helped them to ease the pain,” says Dr. Kyriacou.
Warning
Supplements may interact with each other or with other physician-prescribed medications, so be sure to talk to your doctor before adding any to your regimen.
Curcumin, found in the turmeric spice, may be a good option to treat arthritis, according to an April 2019 study published in Trials Journal. In the study, patients who took curcumin reported the same improvements in pain relief compared to those who took diclofenac, a common anti-inflammatory pain medication used to treat arthritis.
While this seems promising, these supplements are not widely researched and there’s still a lot of unknown information on how well they work and what amounts are safe.
“Products like CBD oil and many other OTC or compounded topicals can provide some pain relief as well,” says Dr. Koval, who encourages they only be used under the guidance of a health care professional.
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Make Your Own Capsaicin Cream
Capsaicin, the compound in chili peppers that gives them their heat, is an ingredient in many over-the-counter pain relief ointments. It works by reducing levels of a compound called substance P, which transmits pain signals to your brain. You can whip up your own massage oil by mixing a few dashes of ground cayenne with two to three teaspoons of olive oil. Apply it with gauze to unbroken skin on your painful joints several times a day. The first few doses will cause a mild burning sensation on the surface of your skin, but youll become desensitized to that feeling after a week or so. Just be sure to keep it away from your mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes, where it will really sting.
Heres what it could mean if you have shoulder blade pain.
Find Relief From Arthritis Pain With Help From These Natural Remedies
From osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis and more, arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America.1 So if youre one of 50 million adults living with this disease, youve no doubt spent quite a lot of time searching for any and every kind of arthritis treatment out there. While there is currently no cure, using a product like Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel in conjunction with the natural remedies listed below is a great way to provide your bodyand mindwith some relief.
If youre thinking, sign me up, please, read on for a few natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis that have been shown to ease symptoms of arthritis pain, and then talk to your doctor about developing a personalized plan for sustainable pain management.
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Fish Oil Supplements For Arthritis
Youve probably already heard that fish oils containing omega-3 are good for your joints, brain and heart health.
That’s due to omega-3 is made up of two compounds called DHA and EPA which have been linked to reducing cell inflammation.
As arthritis causes inflammation, upping your intake of fish oil supplements packed with omega fatty acids could help thanks to their natural anti-inflammatory effects.
Studies have also shown that fatty acids could help to reduce joint pain and stiffness.
Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and trout are great sources of omega-3.
If you dont eat fish, omega-3 is also found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils or supplements like Algal oil or Ahi Flower.
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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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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
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3. Massage
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4. Tai Chi
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5. Yoga
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6. Weight Loss
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7. Physical Therapy
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8. Topical Gels
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9. TENS
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What Is Arthritis
When people say arthritis, they usually mean osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. More than 16 million Americans over the age of 45 complain of this condition, which causes joints to become inflamed, painful, and stiff.
While osteoarthritis cannot be cured, mild symptoms can be managed or reduced. We dont want you to suffer, so check out these tips to relieve pain.
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Why Do I Have Ra
What is causing your joint pain? RA is an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorders result from your immune system mistaking your normal cells for foreign cells and attacking/destroying them. When your immune system attacks the lining of the membrane surrounding your joints , inflammation occurs. The constant inflammation of the synovium thickens the membrane lining and wears away the cartilage and bone in your joints, causing the physical pain you experience.
The tricky thing about RA is that doctors are still unsure of what the underlying cause is. While genetics seem to be a contributing factor, the baffling mystery is that the majority of people suffering from RA have no family history of it.