Home Remedies for Arthritis
Arthritis is a catch-all term for joint inflammation and it’s used to
describe a number of different conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis, for
example, is a form of arthritis not caused by injury or age, while gouty
arthritis is a joint inflammation that’s caused by diet. Arthritis
causes pain and swelling and may lead to problems moving a joint. There
are a number of treatment options available, including medication,
splints, or even surgery. However, there are also a number of
traditional remedies that can be very effective:
1. Tai chi and yoga
Gentle exercises such as yoga, which helps to stretch tendons and loosen joints, or tai-chi, which consists of slow, easy movements, can help to ease arthritis pain and increase mobility in joints. These are both low impact exercises that focus on building muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, all of which can be beneficial for arthritis sufferers. These exercises are also excellent for mentally unwinding, which can increase mood and can lead to better pain management skills.
2. Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness is a form of meditation where people focus on their bodies, sensations, and emotions. Studies have shown that this is an effective arthritis home remedy, as it can boost mood, ease stiffness, and help users better manage pain. It has been shown to be particularly effective in those with rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Hot and cold therapy
Hot and cold therapy is actually two different therapies—heat, applied to ease pain and relieve stiffness and tension, and cold, applied to numb pain and reduce swelling. Heat can be applied by sitting in a warm bath or using a heating pad, while cold can be applied with a cold pack or ice water. These treatments can be alternated, depending on what is needed at the time. It is important, however, to use these treatments with care, as repeated exposure to heat or cold can sometimes damage the skin.
4. Gamma-linolenic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is a substance naturally found in some seeds. It has been shown to reduce the inflammation, stiffness, and swelling associated with arthritis, making it one of the best arthritis home remedies. GLA can be taken in capsule form or it can be found in other natural supplements such as borage seed oil or black currant oil. Gamma-linolenic acid intake should be carefully monitored, as it can sometimes increase bleeding. For this reason, it should not be taken by patients who are also using blood thinners.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D, which our bodies naturally absorb from sunlight, can enhance moods, boost immune systems, and also helps to maintain bone strength. Studies have shown that people who experience the most severe arthritis symptoms are often low on Vitamin D, so taking additional Vitamin D may help to reduce some of the aches and pains associated with the condition. Arthritis patients can get Vitamin D by eating certain foods, such as tuna, cheese, eggs, by getting sun exposure, or by taking the vitamin as a supplement in capsule form.
1. Tai chi and yoga
Gentle exercises such as yoga, which helps to stretch tendons and loosen joints, or tai-chi, which consists of slow, easy movements, can help to ease arthritis pain and increase mobility in joints. These are both low impact exercises that focus on building muscle strength, flexibility, and balance, all of which can be beneficial for arthritis sufferers. These exercises are also excellent for mentally unwinding, which can increase mood and can lead to better pain management skills.
2. Mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness is a form of meditation where people focus on their bodies, sensations, and emotions. Studies have shown that this is an effective arthritis home remedy, as it can boost mood, ease stiffness, and help users better manage pain. It has been shown to be particularly effective in those with rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Hot and cold therapy
Hot and cold therapy is actually two different therapies—heat, applied to ease pain and relieve stiffness and tension, and cold, applied to numb pain and reduce swelling. Heat can be applied by sitting in a warm bath or using a heating pad, while cold can be applied with a cold pack or ice water. These treatments can be alternated, depending on what is needed at the time. It is important, however, to use these treatments with care, as repeated exposure to heat or cold can sometimes damage the skin.
4. Gamma-linolenic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is a substance naturally found in some seeds. It has been shown to reduce the inflammation, stiffness, and swelling associated with arthritis, making it one of the best arthritis home remedies. GLA can be taken in capsule form or it can be found in other natural supplements such as borage seed oil or black currant oil. Gamma-linolenic acid intake should be carefully monitored, as it can sometimes increase bleeding. For this reason, it should not be taken by patients who are also using blood thinners.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D, which our bodies naturally absorb from sunlight, can enhance moods, boost immune systems, and also helps to maintain bone strength. Studies have shown that people who experience the most severe arthritis symptoms are often low on Vitamin D, so taking additional Vitamin D may help to reduce some of the aches and pains associated with the condition. Arthritis patients can get Vitamin D by eating certain foods, such as tuna, cheese, eggs, by getting sun exposure, or by taking the vitamin as a supplement in capsule form.