How to Manage Arthritis Pain Naturally

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, and this can affect any joint in our body. Previously we learned about osteoarthritis and its treatment procedures. Now I would like to share some essential information about natural remedies that help in managing arthritis pain.

There are more than 100 conditions associated with the term arthritis. It affects the joints, tissues surrounding the joints, and other connective tissues. It is knowns as a rheumatic condition.

Arthritis is seen commonly among older individuals, but it can affect individuals of all ages.

About Arthritis

Cartilage is a flexible connective tissue in our otherwise stable joints. It is the shock absorber as it protects the joints when we move or put stress on them. Whenever there is a reduction in the amount of cartilage tissue, it causes some forms of arthritis.

Infection or injury aggravates the natural breakdown of the cartilage. Arthritis weakens a person’s capability to perform daily activities. Physical activities play an important role as it has a positive effect on arthritis and can help in recovering from pain.

Factors such as previous injury, infection, smoking, and work-related stress, can interrelate with genes increasing the risk of arthritis. Diet and nutrition play a role in dealing with arthritis and the risk of arthritis. Some foods increase inflammation, mainly animal-derived foods, and high in refined sugar foods, making the symptoms much worse. Diets containing foods such as seafood, red wine, and meat can induce gout.

Age, sex, and genetic factors are non-modifiable risk factors of arthritis, and joint injuries, infection, certain occupations, and obesity are modifiable risk factors.

What Causes Arthritis?

The exact cause of arthritis is unknown. According to studies conducted by doctors, the following are the possible causes:

• Injury
• Abnormal Metabolism
• Heredity
• Infections
• Obesity
• Immune system dysfunction
• Overuse of joints
• Improper diet

Types of Arthritis

There are four main types of arthritis:

1. Degenerative Arthritis – Degenerative or mechanical arthritis is a group of conditions that primarily involve damage to the cartilage that protects the bone ends. Bones rub against each other as the cartilage gets damaged.
2. Inflammatory Arthritis – Inflammatory type of arthritis occurs when our immune system doesn’t work properly and misleadingly attacks the joints with unrestrained inflammation, possibly causing joint destruction. Inflammation also damages internal organs, eyes, and other parts of the body.
3. Infectious Arthritis – A virus, fungus, or bacteria enters the joint and aggravates inflammation.
4. Metabolic Arthritis – High levels of uric acid in people can be because they naturally produce more than is required or the body can’t get rid of it quickly. Sometimes uric acid builds up and forms needle-like crystals in the joints, causing a sudden rush of extreme joint pain or a gout attack.

Natural Ways to Manage Arthritis

Here are some natural remedies which can help in managing arthritis pain:

1. Diet – Specific diet that treats arthritis does not exist but some types of food may help lessen the inflammation.

• Fruits
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Leafy Vegetables
• Beans
• Olive oil
• Whole grains

2. Weight Management – As we are aware that, obesity and being overweight are two common and modifiable risk factors of arthritis. What we should know is that managing our weight can help reduce arthritis pain.
3. Heat and cold therapy – Hot water therapy keeps us at ease by lessening the discomfort, while cold therapy reduces joint pain, swelling, and inflammation.

• Heat therapy includes a warm shower, heat water bag, heating pad, or an electric blanket.
• Cold therapy using a coolant spray, ice gel, and ice pack.

4. Add turmeric to your diet, as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Consuming herbal supplements gives your body a boost, maintains your immune system, and keeps you away from falling ill. It helps in reducing joint pain
6. Massage therapy – Helps to feel stress-free and erases all the discomfort. It makes you feel relaxed and reduces joint pain.
7. Relaxation therapy – To perform this, you have to tighten your muscles, hold the contraction, and slowly relax them. This technique is a progressive muscle relaxation technique.
8. Yoga – It is essential for our body and mind. It improves our mobility, and flexibility also helps in easing joint pain.
9. Aquatic exercise – Beneficial for our overall body health as it reduces weight, improves joint range of motion, improves mood, coordination, and quality of life.
10. Consume vitamin D food sources and flax seeds. Studies suggest that flax seeds have omega-3 fatty acids that help in reducing inflammation in the body.

Arthritis is a condition that keeps progressing, causing pain and stiffness in the joints. Many different types of treatments are available, but using natural remedies are equally effective in relieving pain.