How to Treat Arthritis Pain Naturally at Home
Arthritis refers to various diseases that cause swelling and pain in the joints. There are two types of arthritis: autoimmune with concomitant extra-articular symptoms and persistent clinical history or degenerative with severe symptoms that worsen over time.
Due to cartilage wear and tear, osteoarthritis (OA) develops when bones rub against one another, causing friction, injury, and inflammation.
Systemic in nature, RA (Rheumatic Arthritis) causes symptoms to manifest all over the body. An autoimmune condition develops when the body’s defense mechanisms mistakenly target healthy joint tissue. The pain of arthritis is usually sharp and requires medical treatment; however, there are few natural remedies through which pain can be relieved.
Treatments for Arthritis Pain at Home & Other Options
In addition to medication, home remedies and lifestyle changes can be essential to managing arthritis. For instance, many people use apple cider vinegar for nerve pain and to reduce inflammation. On this note, let’s look at some of the most effective ones.
- Acupuncture
One of the earliest known natural pain relievers is this type of Chinese traditional medicine. Using extremely fine needles, it stimulates energy via meridians or channels in your body. Correcting energy imbalances is the aim. Because acupuncture needs clean, well-placed needles, ask your rheumatologist to recommend an acupuncturist who works with RA patients.
- Massage
In modern science, this age-old method of reducing pain has been proven to be effective. The practice dates back thousands of years. Various types exist. Consult your doctor before trying this. It is also possible to request recommendations. It is a good idea to choose a massage therapist who has experience treating RA patients. Let them know if there are any sensitive areas they should avoid. Additionally, you might request that they refrain from using scents that might aggravate your skin.
- Exercise
If you have arthritis, exercise can help you:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Maintain flexibility in your joints
- Make your joints more supportive by strengthening the muscles around them
It is strongly recommended that you begin an appropriate exercise program as soon as possible. Motivating yourself to exercise with another person or a trainer is especially beneficial. You can do several low-impact exercises, such as:
- Taking a walk
- Sporting bicycles
- Exercises like Tai Chi
- Activities that involve water
- Taking a swim
- Turmeric
Curry dishes often contain this golden spice, which is a member of the ginger family. It comes from India and Indonesia and has long been a mainstay of local traditional medicine there. According to research, it inhibits proteins that lead to inflammation and may reduce pain, just as several nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) are frequently prescribed for the treatment of arthritis. However, using ACV is also said to reduce inflammation. In fact, reducing inflammation is one of several examples of apple cider vinegar benefits.
- Magnet
Magnet therapies are available as bands, pendants, inserts, pads, or discs. Most natural food stores carry them. Magnets reduce joint pain more effectively than a placebo in persons with hip and knee osteoarthritis, the aging-related wear-and-tear arthritis. Doctors are unsure how magnets might reduce pain for people with rheumatoid, and there is no conclusive evidence that magnets help.
- Essential oils
It can be pleasant to use essential oils during a massage. Exercise caution if you put it to your body or allow someone else to do it. Others are well-known irritants. To gauge your response, try a test patch. Use caution if the skin is broken or injured.
- Green tea
Green tea is a popular beverage. Inflammation caused by RA or OA can be reduced by its antioxidants. Researchers have found evidence of arthritis relief from green tea extracts or specific components, but it’s unclear how many active compounds are present in one cup. You can substitute it for coffee, soda, or other sweetened beverages if you don’t add sugar. Researchers are still studying how much and what kind of green tea is best for inflammation reduction.
- Use hot and cold therapy
The use of heat and cold can reduce inflammation and pain. Overnight, a moist heating pad or electric blanket can relieve discomfort, and a long, hot shower or bath can ease stiffness in the morning. Similarly, the use of cold therapy reduces inflammation, edema, and joint pain. Wrap a gel ice cube or frozen vegetable container in a towel to relieve sore joints. Avoid direct contact with ice.
Likewise, some over-the-counter topical ointments and lotions contain capsaicin, a compound derived from chili peppers. These items offer warmth, which helps relieve joint pain.
Before We Part!
Remember that you can quite easily manage arthritis pain if you follow these remedies. Apart from these home remedies, many other lifestyle changes can help manage arthritis symptoms. Moreover, the following are examples: weight loss, sleep improvement, stress relief, ice and heat therapy, and water exercises.
