7 Ways to Relieve Arthritis Pain Naturally
Each year, more than 50 million people suffer from arthritis. Though a common disease, arthritis is often misunderstood.
Fortunately, many medications and treatment options are available to alleviate the pain arthritis creates. Living a healthier and more active lifestyle can significantly reduce and prevent arthritis flare-ups.
If you suffer from arthritis, there are anti-inflammatory medications you can take to relieve your pain. But did you know that there are several lifestyle changes you can make to help reduce chronic arthritis pain? Here are seven ways you can naturally manage arthritis and the pain associated with this condition:
Educate Yourself
Anyone who is diagnosed with arthritis should strive to educate themselves about the disease. When your doctor diagnosed you with arthritis, you were likely told what type of arthritis you have.
Types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and juvenile arthritis.
By knowing which type you are dealing with, you can better manage the symptoms associated with the disease. Your doctor should be able to help you find educational resources. There are also many online resources, including The Arthritis Foundation, which has a website full of information and ideas that will help you cope. Visit http://www.arthritis.org/ for more information.
Stay Physically Active
A sedentary lifestyle is not recommend for arthritis sufferers because the joints can stiffen up and become even more painful. Becoming and staying physically active if you have arthritis can help relieve some of the pain and stiffness caused by this disease.
Regular exercise will improve stamina, strength, joint flexibility and range of motion.
Proper exercise may also help reduce the amount of medications required for pain control. Exercise has been shown to increase energy, relieve stress, and improve your overall mood.
Your local gym and fitness clubs may offer discounts to senior citizens, so be sure to check to see which options are available to you locally.
Pay Attention to Your Joints
Flexibility exercises are an excellent way to maintain joint health. Moving a joint through a range of motion lubricates your joints and improves the circulation of blood and lymph fluids into and out of the joint and nearby soft tissue. This helps reduce swelling in the joints and delivers oxygen and nutrients to the joints as well.
Manage Your Weight
Excess weight puts more stress on joints, so maintaining a healthy weight for your age is important for good joint health.
Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and be sure to drink plenty of water, unless a physician has told you otherwise. Cutting calories and engaging in some form of physical activity five days a week should help you manage or even lose weight. Consult your physician about which types of food choices are best for you.
Hot & Cold Therapy
Hot and cold treatments are simple and can help alleviate arthritis pain.
Warm (not hot) showers and baths in the morning can help with stiffness during the day. At night, use an electric pad or blanket to help you sleep.
Cold gel packs or bags of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth and applied directly to your joints will provide some relief from joint pain.
Massage Therapy
Regular massage is another great way to cope with the pain of arthritis. Massaging joints helps reduce stiffness and pain, and can improve range of motion. Find a massage therapist in your area who specializes in working with arthritis sufferers.
Aquatic Therapy
A water exercise program is a good choice if you have arthritis and want to stay physically active.
Water is buoyant and supports your body, which means there is no pressure placed on your joints.
The water temperature is usually kept warmer, which can help soothe aching and stiff joints. Water creates natural resistance, so instead of lifting weights, you can work against the resistance of the water.
Using these coping mechanisms will help treat and control arthritis once it strikes, and encourage you lead a more active life.
Sources:
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20415762,00.html
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20443624,00.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20046440
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/arthritis-natural-relief
https://www.arthritis.org/conditions-treatments/understanding-arthritis/
https://www.arthritis.org/conditions-treatments/prevent-and-manage-arthritis/
http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/pain-relief
Category: Arthritis
