What is arthritis? Arthritis is a degenerative condition characterized by pain, stiffness, and inflammation of the joints. The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is caused by wear and tear of the joints and old age. There are also other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
The traditional treatment for arthritis is through anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers. But long-term use of these medicines can result in undesirable side-effects. It is the reason why other, more natural treatments for arthritis are becoming more popular. This article will discuss ways how to relieve arthritis pain.
What Causes Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is due to the normal wear and tear of the joints. This condition is common in older adults. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disorder whereby the immune system attacks the tissues and organs in the body.
The other types of arthritis are the following: infective arthritis, seronegative arthritis, Still’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout. Aside from pain and inflammation in the affected area, other symptoms of arthritis include muscle weakness, painful movement, redness of the skin, tenderness, and loss of flexibility.
Arthritis and Your Quality Of Life
Living with arthritis can be challenging, especially if your daily routine is starting to get affected. Pain is something that nobody wants, but sometimes, there’s nothing left to do but deal with it. The good news is, there are lots of things that you can do to relieve arthritis pain.
From therapies, foods, alternative medicine to topical creams, you can choose a type of treatment that suits you. Each one is unique and has its advantages and disadvantages. You can try more than one treatment. Hopefully, with knowledge on how to ease arthritis pain and the proper technique, you’re on your way to a more productive, pain-free, and normal life.
Tips to Relieve Arthritis Pain
- Heat Therapy – A hot compress can provide relief from arthritis pain by dilating the blood vessels and increasing blood circulation and oxygen flow. If you have a hot tub, you can take a dip for ten minutes. When using heat therapy, make sure that it is just the right temperature; if it is too hot, you might suffer burns.
- Cold Compress – By constricting blood vessels, a cold compress can help in relieving joint pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Apply it on the affected area for 15 minutes.
- Glucosamine – A compound that is found naturally in the joints and connective tissues, glucosamine helps in building tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It helps reduce arthritis pain and inflammation. It also improves mobility and the range of motion of the affected joints.
- Meditation – Relaxation techniques such as meditation lowers stress levels and can help in pain management. Thinking of positive things calms the mind, boost your spirits up, and prevents depression.
- Omega 3 – These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. They work by inhibiting the production of certain enzymes known as prostaglandins and cytokines that contribute to cartilage wear and tear. Foods that are rich in Omega 3 are the following: tuna, salmon, halibut, sardines, mackerel, and walnuts.
- Acupuncture – This is a Chinese alternative medicine which involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points in the body. It is believed that it can restore the balance of energy within one’s self.
- Massage – Massaging the affected area can reduce joint pain and stiffness and improve oxygen and blood flow. You can use massage to relieve pain for different types of arthritis. If you want, you can hire the services of a physical therapist or a massage therapist for the best results.
- Topical Creams – Pain cream lotions penetrate deep into the skin to provide soothing relief from arthritis symptoms and pain. Real Time Pain Relief is made from natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Glucosamine, Willow Bark, Menthol, Emu Oil, Capsicum, and Arnica. This product is FDA registered and is safe to use. You can purchase Real Time Pain Relief online and have it delivered right to your doorstep.
- Olive Oil – Olive Oil contains oleocanthal which suppresses enzymes that cause inflammation in the body. It is a good substitute for butter and vegetable oils. Olive oil loses some of its benefits when exposed to extreme heat, so it is advisable to use it as a salad dressing.
- Choose Your Proteins – We need protein for healthy muscles and tissues, but excessive amounts can contribute to joint inflammation. Some individuals have reactions to protein in foods. It can trigger the immune system to attack healthy cells which may lead to rheumatoid arthritis. It is advisable to pick lean protein foods such as fish, seafood, poultry, tofu, and legumes.
- Physical Therapy – Special exercise programs are designed to improve function, range of motion, posture, and to reduce pain as well. For arthritis patients, it might be better to start with low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or water aerobics.
- Arnica Montana – In a study conducted to test the effectiveness of this herb, people who applied arnica gel three times a day to their fingers affected by arthritis experienced relief from arthritis symptoms and pain. Arnica is a perennial herb that is cultivated in North America and used topically for arthritis, sprains, bruises, sunburn, and sore muscles. Real Time Pain Relief contains arnica as well as other effective ingredients to provide soothing relief from arthritis pain.
- Drink Green Tea – Studies show that drinking green tea may slow arthritis progression and cartilage damage by blocking Interleukin-1, a pro-inflammatory cell in the body. Green tea is high in antioxidants and polyphenols which have anti-inflammatory properties and are good for overall health.
- Willow Bark – As early as the time of Hippocrates, Willow Bark has been used to treat arthritis, back pain, and inflammatory conditions. It contains salicin, which has the same qualities as aspirin. Research shows that it is as effective as aspirin in reducing pain and inflammation, but at a lower dosage. Real Time Pain Relief is a topical cream that contains Willow Bark.
- Eat More Fruits and Vegetables – Eating at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day will ensure that you’ll have all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs. They also have fiber, phytochemicals, and antioxidants that help the body get rid of toxins. Fruits and vegetables can fight inflammation and provide relief from arthritis symptoms.
Conclusion
Arthritis is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation of the joints. Many people have it, especially those who are middle-aged and senior citizens. Although arthritis can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers, taking them for a long time can result in undesirable side-effects.
That’s why people are searching for alternative treatments and therapies that are safer. Some of the ways to relieve arthritis pain are the following: heat therapy, cold compress, physical therapy, massage, acupuncture, meditation, glucosamine, Omega 3, olive oil, arnica, green tea, eating fruits and vegetables, choosing your proteins, Willow Bark, arnica, and topical pain creams.
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