Arthritis is the swelling of one or more joints in the body. There are many types of arthritis and it can affect people of all ages. However, some forms of arthritis are more common in older people. Treatments on arthritis vary depending on its type.
What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?
The symptoms of this condition may develop over time or may appear suddenly. The affected areas mainly involve the joints. This includes pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion.
Common Types of Arthritis and Its Causes
There are two main types of arthritis. There are several risk factors for arthritis. Some of the common causes of arthritis include age, genetics, injury, or obesity. The most common types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
This is the most common type of arthritis that affects the joint’s cartilage. This happens when the wear and tear of cartilage cause bones to rub together which leads to friction, damage, and inflammation. This wear and tear is normal over time. However, an injury or an infection may worsen the condition.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Another form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. In this condition, the immune system attacks the healthy joint tissue out of mistake and it eventually destroys the cartilage and bone within the joint.
Natural Ways to Relieve Arthritis
Arthritis can make it really difficult to do daily tasks due to the pain and discomfort it brings. While arthritis can’t be cured unless you have surgery, there are plenty of treatments that you can use to reduce the pain of arthritis. Here are some natural ways combat the pain of arthritis.
1. Maintaining a healthy weight
One of the risk factors that may result in arthritis is being overweight. You can manage your weight by improving your diet and working out.
2. Keep your joints active
Getting enough exercise can help you manage your weight and keeps the joints flexible. This will help strengthen muscles around your joints.
3. Using heat and cool therapy
Using heat and cool therapy helps relieve the pain and inflammation of arthritis. For hot therapy, this may include taking a long, warm shower or bath in the morning to loosen up stiffness. You can also use a moist heating pad to reduce discomfort in your joints.
For cold treatments, wrapping up an ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables in a towel while applying it to helps relieve joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. Apply the ice bag to painful joints for fast relief. However, you should avoid applying ice directly to the skin.
4. Acupuncture
Another alternative way that you can relieve arthritis is acupuncture. This is an ancient Chinese medical treatment that uses thin needles by inserting it into specific points of the body. Most practitioners recommend it conditionally as it reduces pain and is low risk
5. Following a healthy diet
Dietary choices affect not only just arthritis but your overall body as well. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables boost the immune system. So you should consider eating foods that are rich in antioxidants and other foods that reduce inflammation including fish and nuts. Avoid or minimize fried foods, processed foods, dairy products, and red meats.
6. Herbs that You Can Use to Fight Arthritis
Following the ways of having a healthy diet. Aside from fresh fruits and vegetables, you can also add these following herbs to your diet:
- Aloe Vera: This is found in the form of a gel, powder, supplement pills, and leaf. You can either consume this herb or use it as a rub on the affected area.
- Boswellia: This can be consumed in the form of a supplement that is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that help people with arthritis.
- Cat’s Claw: This is an herb that came from the bark and root of tropical vine that grows in South and Central America. This herb has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce swelling caused by arthritis.
- Eucalyptus: Diluting a eucalyptus oil with another carrier oil as a topical application to the joints helps reduce swelling and arthritis-related pain.
- Ginger: With its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger may help relieve rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and pain in the joints and muscles. You can use ginger by making tea and adding it to your diet.
- Green Tea: Green tea is a popular beverage with plenty of health benefits. This has antioxidant properties that fight inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Turmeric: Turmeric has curcumin as its main ingredient. This powerful ingredient has anti-inflammatory properties that help with different conditions of arthritis. arthritic condition. This can be consumed through supplements, teas, or as a powdered spice added to dishes.
There are different types of arthritis and all of these are uncomfortable. There are many options on how to treat arthritis. There are also natural ways that may help relieve the pain of arthritis. Common natural at-home methods are changes in lifestyle, supplements, and herbs that may help you with arthritis. It is still important to consult with your doctor for a better diagnosis.
