A List Of Natural Remedies To Ease The Pains Caused By Arthritis
Arthritis is a medical condition that can affect people’s joints at any age; however, it is more common in women and the elderly. There are two common types of arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid usually starts when people are in their forties and fifties, where the immune system starts targeting the joints that are affected, causing swelling and pain. Osteoarthritis also usually begins to manifest in the forties and up, but it is more common than rheumatoid, especially if it runs in the family. The most common symptoms of arthritis are stiffness and tenderness, pain in the joints, joints restricted movements, inflammation in the area around the joints, and the skin over the joint gets warm and red. Unfortunately, until now, scientists were not able to find a cure for arthritis, but with proper diagnosis and medication the progression of the condition can slow down drastically, and the severity of symptoms will decrease, so you can have a better quality of life. Moreover, there are some natural remedies that can help.
In this article, we will provide you with a list of natural remedies to ease the pains caused by arthritis.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice. It is a form of traditional Chinese medicine where it is believed that by penetrating certain points in the skin with needles, the flow of energy in the body will improve, leading to better health. Modern science has found that this method actually works for many medical conditions, including arthritis. However, modern scientists do not have a full understanding of how it works, but it does work wonders for the human body nonetheless.
Practice Yoga
Yoga is also an ancient practice that has been around for hundreds of years. Practicing yoga can be very beneficial to people who suffer from arthritis, as it improves the range of motion and flexibility by loosening the joints. However, bear in mind that applying unnecessary pressure on your joints will be an unpleasant experience, so you should start with gentle yoga classes where you are not required to stay in the same pose for long amounts of time. It is essential that you let the instructor know that you have arthritis so that they accommodate your condition and avoid moves that can hurt your joints rather than make you feel better. Seeking yoga instructors doesn’t mean you do not need to seek medical help, however. Before starting yoga classes, you need to find the best rheumatologist to get a proper diagnosis, and then you can discuss with them the possibility of practicing yoga to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. You’ll be surprised to know that many celebrities actually suffer from arthritis, and many of them also practice yoga as well. They all make it a point to find the best rheumatologist in their area by using reliable sources and websites that specialize in finding only the best. So if it’s good enough for them, it’s certainly good enough for you. Your doctor can prescribe the right medication for you and recommend some natural remedies and practices like yoga, for example, that you can apply at home.
Practice Mindfulness Meditation
Isn’t it amazing how ancient practices can help in alleviating symptoms of today’s illnesses and diseases! A study has shown that people who do mindfulness meditation have experienced a reduction in RA symptoms. Mindful meditation can decrease chronic symptoms and pain. You train your mind to pay attention to your present thoughts, physical feelings, and emotions without judging them, which can help in reducing pain. The stress pathways can’t be affected by medications prescribed for arthritis, but mindful meditation can! Practicing mindfulness will help you enjoy a better quality of life with reduced arthritis symptoms and pains.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for their anti-inflammatory effect, as when consumed, our bodies turn them into anti-inflammatory. They can be found in fish oil supplements, and even if you are a vegetarian, you can find vegetarian forms of omega-3 fatty acids supplements. They can help in reducing the pain caused by arthritis to the point that patients can stop using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Go Swimming
Swimming has many health benefits like reducing depression, losing weight, and gaining a better range of motion. When in water, gravity has less effect on our movements, resulting in gentle resistance. That is why swimming is not just for young adults, as arthritis patients at any age can go swimming after consulting their doctors first. It is essential for arthritis patients to move their joints to avoid muscular atrophy, and swimming can be the best gentle form of exercise for the joints while keeping the muscles strong.
Practice Tai Chi
Back to ancient practices, tai chi with its gentle and fluid moves can prevent a lot of the restrictions that arthritis patients tend to have. Moreover, this practice offers many styles for different fitness levels, making it perfect for patients of all ages. Usually, the sun style is recommended for people who suffer from arthritis, as it involves standing positions that do not require a lot of knee bending. A study has shown that people who practice tai chi enjoy a better quality of life and reduced symptoms of depression.
Heat Therapy
Taking a soothing steamy shower or using heating pads can help in reducing the stiffness in tissues and reducing sore muscle pain. Heat therapy expands the blood vessels resulting in an increase in blood and oxygen amounts that goes to the injured area which, in turn, helps in reducing the pain and loosening the joints.
Getting a Massage
After getting a massage, the cortisol levels go down, and Serotonin levels go up. Moreover, massages can help in lowering blood pressure and reducing the pain that results from arthritis. A study has shown that getting a regular Swedish massage can have a significant positive effect on arthritis patients, as it can reduce pain and stiffness while improving the function of the joints.
These natural remedies are very beneficial in reducing the symptoms and pain of arthritis; however, seeking medical care comes first. Discuss these remedies with your doctor, as they can help you decide which one is best for your case. Having arthritis is not the end of the world, as you can still enjoy a fulfilling life by taking drugs prescribed by your rheumatologist, switching to a healthy lifestyle, and applying any of these natural remedies for arthritis.
