Arthritis is a medical condition related to musculoskeletal structure and mainly affects the joints. It is simply referred to as inflammation of joints and may be caused by joint erosion, tear in the cartilage or reduced production of synovial fluid which lubricates and aids the movement of joints to avoid friction. Common reasons behind arthritis are degeneration of bones, hereditary factors, joint trauma and auto immune disease. It mostly inflicts the ageing population.
In severe cases it can lead to disability making it very difficult to perform daily tasks and activities. Arthritis does not have a definite cure but can be managed well with lifestyle changes and regular medication. In this write up we will discuss various natural treatments that can limit the effects of Arthritis and help you lead normal life.
Effective Natural Treatments For Arthritis
Essential Oils
Various kinds of oil have important role in curing and treating bones and muscle related health issues. Oil massages can help in relieving the pain and restoring flexibility of the joints. Menthol oil has the effect of cooling the skin down and reducing the sensation of pain. As this oil penetrates through the skin, it begins to provide warmth to muscles and tissues around the joint which soothes and heals the inflammation.
Mustard oil is another remedy considered effective for pain. It is warm and heavy in nature which makes it ideal for treating the pain. Heat the mustard oil until it is warm and add a few cloves of crushed garlic.Garlic increases the potency of mustard oil against pain. Massage gently over joint and cover them up.
Many studies have found fish oil to be effective in treating inflammation and joint pain. However, unlike other oils it is to be consumed and not applied. What makes fish oil potent against arthritis is, Omega3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Both of these components fight inflammation and strengthen the auto immune system. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and joints as it helps in absorbing calcium..
Hydro Therapy
Doctors recommend regular gentle movement of joints when suffering from arthritis. Exercise is another indispensable routine in this condition. But Arthritis can make exercising and general joint movement very difficult for some people and they are caught in the vicious circle of sedentary lifestyle aggravating stiffness and pain in the joints.
The best solution of this problem is some hydro or water therapy. Water, especially warm water can not only ease the pain and soothe the joints but also provide support to joints. Gentle swimming is recommended if arthritis inflicts different joints in the body. If you can not swim then just immerse yourself in the water and try to wade and move the joints in the water.
Simple water therapy that you can prepare at home is by filling a deep pan in water. Heat the water until it is warm and immerse your hands up till the wrists in this water. Make clockwise and anti clockwise movements for relief. For knee joints and ankle, do this process in bucket. You can follow this therapy up by application of oil and then covering the affected region.
Acupuncture
This alternative treatment has caught on a lot of popularity for treating arthritis. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese remedy for various bodily maladies and ailments of mind. The procedure is done by a qualified acupuncturist and involves inserting a number of extremely thin needles in certain points of the body as determined by the acupuncturist.
Acupuncture is based on the concept that wellness known as Qi flows through the body and blockages in it causes health problems. The needles are inserted to remove this blockage. Acupuncture can also take form of comprehensive treatment by inclusion of Chinese herbs for treating arthritis along with traditional acupuncture.
It is a painless procedure and can at times require multiple sessions for relieving and healing the condition you might be suffering from. Depending on your condition the needles may be inserted into your legs, shoulder or arms.
Food For Bones And Joints
The first step to treating arthritis by food intervention is to include calcium rich diet in your meals. Calcium is the building material of our bones and is found in dairy products like milk and cheese, green leafy vegetables, broccoli, fortified soy products etc. However, consumption of calcium rich diet is just the first step, absorption is equally important. Vitamin D is required by our body to absorb calcium.
It is a fat soluble vitamin and best source of it is sunshine. Direct exposure to sunlight for about half an hour in a day should be enough in all normal cases. Processed sugar, junk food, refined flour are a big “No” as they tend to increase inflammation and obstruct the healing process of the body.
Oily fish like sardines and salmon are anti-inflammatory in nature. Whole grains, nuts rich in vitamin E, spinach, Soy, tomatoes, bell peppers and beet root are some other examples of anti-inflammatory food items.
Compress The Pain
Hot and cold compress are also effective in providing relief from pain, though they do not directly treat the cause of the pain. Take a wash cloth and apply hot iron to it. Place this wash cloth on the painful joint until it cools down and then repeat this process. You may also use water bag or simple bottle filled with warm water as a heat compress. Heat helps in retaining the joint flexibility and soothing the pain around the joint.
Alternatively cold compress is also highly effective in managing the arthritic pain. Wrap 5-6 ice cubes in a thin cloth and apply all over the pain. The coolness numbs the muscles and nerves thereby blocking the pain signal being sent to the brain. However do not overdo any of these compresses as they can harm the skin by irritating and drying it out.
Arthritis is a chronic condition and make a person dependant on life time of medication. Therefore it is a great idea to try out these all natural ways which are very effective if followed regularly in relieving and managing arthritis.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
