Inflammation in your joints leads to stiffness and pain, and eventually, arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent. It gets worse with age and wear and tear on your body. When your immune system begins to attack your joints, that’s referred to as Rheumatoid arthritis.
Both types can cause pain from moderate to severe, and treatment options vary depending on what you are willing to do and what your physician suggests. Before trying any remedy to combat the discomforts that come along with arthritis, you should always get your doctor’s approval.
Here are ten methods that have proven effective in patients dealing with arthritis. If any sound like something that you could benefit from, talk about the possibility of using one or more techniques as part of a treatment plan at your next doctor’s appointment.
1. Hot and Cold Therapy
A natural way to deal with arthritis pain is using hot and cold therapy. Showers and baths with warm water are helpful, with the most noticeable difference happening if you take one in the morning. The heat helps to loosen the joints and keeps them from stiffening up.
In between showers, you can use a hot and cold cervical massage neck pillow anywhere you are. It’s made from silicone, so you can toss it in the freezer for cold therapy, or warm it in hot water to use it as a warm compress on the neck. Not only does it relieve arthritis pain, but it can also help with tension headaches and migraines.
The cold portion of hot and cold therapy helps with reducing swelling and inflammation. If you don’t have a pillow, then an ice pack or even a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel can offer quick relief.
2. Massage
When you have arthritis, the stiffness that occurs from not being able to move your joints can lead to even more intense pain. A massage helps with loosening up the body and increasing your range of motion. You can go to a physical therapist or schedule an appointment with a massage therapist regularly. Just be sure they have experience dealing with arthritic patients.
Get a massage at home or on the go with a useful device like this cervical alignment chiropractic pillow with heat and magnetic therapy. You get the massage along with the heat option that’s also helpful for arthritis treatment, as mentioned before.
3. Exercise
Starting a regular exercise routine, even if it’s just taking a walk after dinner, helps with increasing flexibility and loosening those arthritic joints as well. If walking is too intense, you can try something like swimming or water aerobics to get the same benefits without putting any more stress on your body.
Following your workout routine, you can apply a reusable cold and hot pack to get even more advantages and keep your pain to a minimum or even eliminate it for a while.
4. Meditation
Along with pain from arthritis, you’re probably feeling stressed and maybe even depressed about the condition of your body and your limitations on physical activity. Meditation can help relieve that stress and get your mind into a place where you can cope with it better, which will alleviate some of your pain.
5. Turmeric
A chemical called curcumin is found in the yellow spice, turmeric. It’s commonly used in Indian dishes, and it has natural health properties for the reduction of inflammation in arthritic joints. You can purchase it in most health food stores or order it online and start sprinkling it over your favorite recipes.
6. Diet
Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids have been put to the test in the treatment of arthritis, and research shows that it has been useful at reducing point and stiffness in your joints. Some foods that are high in omega-3 include:
- Avocados
- Kidney beans
- Mangoes
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Fish
- Tofu
- Shellfish
There is a plethora of other options as well. Talk with your doctor or do a check online, and you’ll easily be able to discover something you can add to your breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu.
7. Herbal Supplements
More and more people are turning to herbal supplements for the treatment of arthritis along with a wide variety of other health conditions. There are less side effects, and a lower risk of drug interaction or addiction. Even though herbal supplements are considered safer, you should still always consult with a professional before taking anything. Some of the herbal supplements that have been said to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties include:
- Burdock Root
- Flax
- Nettles
- Licorice
- Green-lipped Mussel
- Borage oil
- Cayenne pepper
- Cat’s Claw
- Evening Primrose
Check with an herbal specialist to discuss your symptoms and discover which supplement type or types will work best. Some can be blended, while others should never be taken at the same time.
8. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical treatment option that has been tested and proven to be useful for over 100 different health conditions. A licensed and certified acupuncturist will be able to go over an arthritis treatment plan with you.
9. Weight Loss
The more you weigh, the more stress and tension you’re putting on your joints. Any extra weight can lead to a decrease in mobility, elevated pain levels, and more damage to your body and joints. Discuss with your physician the healthiest way for you to shed the unwanted pounds to relieve pressure.
10. Medication
Prescription pain medications are always an option for the treatment of discomfort from arthritis. However, because of the side effects and potential for addiction or abuse, patients try to steer away from taking them. You can always try over the counter medications first if you prefer not to take prescription drugs.
You don’t have to suffer through the discomfort from arthritis any longer. Again, not all of these treatment options are the best choice for everyone. Before trying any of these amazing arthritis pain relief choices, consult with your doctor.