Inflammatory arthritis causes pain, achiness, and stiffness in the joints – often localized in the hands, knees, or spine. Arthritis joint pain can be frustrating and even crippling when it keeps people from living the life they want. Fortunately, there are a number of natural, drug-free ways to improve joint pain and mobility, even without conventional treatment for arthritis.
Natural Remedies for Arthritis
There are dozens of medical and natural arthritis treatments, some of which work well, while others are less than effective. In most cases, it's a matter of finding the right treatment for the individual type of arthritis symptoms – something that should always be attempted with the help of a doctor or medical professional.
Some of the most highly recommended natural remedies for arthritis pain include:
Fish oils: Research indicates that taking a supplement of cod liver or other fish oils rich in omega-3 and -6 fatty acids may reduce rheumatoid arthritis joint pain.
Dietary changes: Although many medical doctors disagree, naturopathic practitioners believe that the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis can often be directly linked to food sensitivities and allergies. Some of the most common foods that can cause or worsen arthritis pain include wheat flour, sugar, red meat, and nightshade plants (peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant). Identifying and avoiding the right foods can make an immense difference to joint paint.
Essential oils: Aromatherapy oils can be an invaluable source of arthritis relief. High quality, therapeutic-grade oils can be applied directly on the joint for immediate and long-term relief.
Other supplements: Natural supplements targeted to help with arthritis pain include MSM, glucosamine, shark cartilage, and calcium. These supplements work in some cases and not others, often depending on the type of arthritis and the source of the supplements.
Exercise and Lifestyle Changes for Arthritis Relief
In addition to diet and supplements, a reasonable activity level can make a big difference in the level of pain that most arthritis sufferers experience.
Exercise and movement: The importance of activity in treating arthritis cannot be overestimated – the right kind of exercise will strengthen the muscles around painful joints, improve bone density, fight fatigue and insomnia, and provide endorphins that lift mood and fight pain. Don't over strain with too much exercise; the ideal exercise for arthritis is low-impact so it won't worsen pain. At the very least, moving painful joints gently through their full range of motion is a good idea to keep them as limber as possible.
Posture and ergonomics: A comfortable chair, quality mattress, good walking shoes and ergonomic keyboard or work surface can go a long way toward improving joint pain. It's also important to move around often so that muscles and joints don't stiffen up during long periods of inactivity.
Weight loss: Losing weight can help with arthritis pain in some cases. If you are overweight, there is additional strain on certain weight-bearing joints like the knees, ankles and hips.
Actively paying attention: A certain level of awareness about your body's needs and pain level is important, because it can help to identify actions or habits that stress painful joints or worsen arthritis pain. Paying attention is one of the most obvious aids in relieving pain, and one of the easiest to overlook, especially on a busy schedule!
Reference
- Chang-Miller, April, "Rheumatoid arthritis diet: Do certain foods worsen symptoms?" MayoClinic.com, 20 November 2009.
- Mayo Clinic Staff, "Rheumatoid arthritis pain: 7 ways to protect your joints," MayoClinic.com, 9 February 2008.
Victoria Anisman-Reiner - Victoria Anisman-Reiner is a freelance writer with extensive experience in holistic health care and animal training.
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