Arthritis does not discriminate. It strikes without regard for age or gender. When it invades, it attacks with a vengeance. Medical care and supervision are always the best option, but all those medical bills add up over time, and insurance only goes so far.
You don’t have to suffer helplessly from joint pain. There are several natural remedies for arthritis that you can try at home. These tips and tricks will go a long way towards bringing you joint pain relief.
Ease Joint Pain and Inflammation with These 9 Home Remedies:
- Music Therapy
- Meditation
- Walking Barefoot
- Arthritis Cream
- Hot/Cold Therapy
- Epsom Salt Bath
- Changing Diet
- Exercise
- Massage Therapy
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 78.4 million adults are expected to suffer from arthritis by 2040. This staggering statistic illustrates a very real problem facing millions of people around the world.
Branded “the leading cause of disability in America” by the Arthritis Foundation, this unique illness refers to joint inflammation, but it’s hardly that simple. The pain is severe and unrelenting, and while many associate “knobby fingers” with the disease, much of the damage often remains hidden below the skin in the connective tissue, perceptible only via X-ray. Though currently considered a degenerative disease, evidence suggests that new advances in scientific research and technology may be closer to finding a solution.
Arthritis can be caused by several potential factors, any combination of which can result in the perfect storm within one’s own body, turning their very bones and cartilage against them. Scientists have identified over one hundred different types of arthritis, and the more severe cases include permanent damage to major body organs such as the heart and lungs. The Mayo Clinic links arthritis to heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys, and skin damage, all in addition to the typical joint damage and disfiguration commonly associated with arthritis. Therefore, it is prudent to seek continuing care to minimize the long-term and sometimes permanent effects from the disease because at this time, there is no cure.
Most arthritis sufferers don’t know that their aches and pains can easily be avoided if one is armed with the right tools and know-how. Through our extensive research over the years, we’ve compiled a plethora of studies and tips from the world’s top medical professionals and experts.
We’ve compiled a list of the most popular and trusted home remedies to help you find natural relief from the aches and pains associated with such common issues as osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
There’s plenty of little changes you can make to your daily routine that will infuse its natural, powerful anti-inflammatory effects into your body without the use of a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent. From a change in diet to light stretching and exercises, we’ll provide many tips to help you reduce symptoms and ease the pain caused by arthritis.
Household Tips: Find Your Zen at Home!
At the end of the day, a solution to the pain is needed, and you already have many of the tools you need within your own home. If not, many solutions are DIY or require an inexpensive purchase that will be well-utilized in the months to come. Just a few small changes around the house will greatly improve your daily comfort and mobility.
Music Therapy
An easy place to start is music. Music has been shown to steadily lower your pain sensitivity and benefit depression so pair your phone to a Bluetooth speaker or let Pandora rip on the TV. Studies show the genre of music does not matter as long the listener enjoys it, so turn up the volume before that morning coffee.
Meditation
Meditation is shown to reduce stress, which, in turn, reduces pressure on your body. With all that pressure gone, the body is now free to dedicate all its resources to combatting the pain and inflammation from the various forms of arthritis. The National Institute of Health (NIH) agrees – their very own studies have shown that careful meditation can help those suffering from joint pain.
Walking Barefoot
Walking barefoot at home is a huge help to those suffering from arthritic pain, reducing the pressure on your knees and giving your joints some much-needed relief from a day on your feet. When you wear shoes, make sure to select an appropriate pair. Plenty of brands now offer footwear with added cushion and support for your heel, arch, and instep, which will make all the difference on your joints. A specialty shoe store will be happy provide guidance!
Topical Cream
A topical cream like Arthritis Wonder helps to treat the severe aches and pains caused by arthritis. Once absorbed into your skin, it targets the joints for immediate relief. Doctor recommended and FDA compliant, it’s become a trusted solution for at-home arthritis care and treatment. It’s the only cream with Wogonin, which research shows is a potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant and targets receptors in the arthritic joint, blocking pain signals from reaching the brain. Arthritis Wonder was developed after extensive research by Dr. David Kooyman, a microbiology professor and arthritis expert at Brigham Young University.
Hot & Cold Therapy: Switch Up Your Routine!
Heat has long been associated with inflammation and pain relief, but cold shouldn’t be overlooked, either. There’s a reason why cryotherapy has become so popular in recent years, but while a great option, it is also an expensive one, making it inaccessible to some.
However, there are incredible DIY methods you can try at home that produce the same results. A heating pad or electric blanket is excellent for a temporary reprieve, but don’t expect extended relief. A longer, more leisurely solution is to soak in a bath (or a hot shower if you’re pressed for time).
For quick relief throughout the day, use an ice pack for swelling and inflammation. Alternatively, a sock filled with warm rice (just microwave uncooked for 2-3 minutes) will also provide short-term relief. We recommend adding lavender for an extra soothing, fragrant respite! Other anti-inflammatory herbs are great options, too.
Can’t decide between hot and cold? Try both! Prepare a bowl of warm water and a bowl of ice and water, and take turns immersing your hands in each for 30 seconds at a time in 15-minute intervals before a final, icy soak.
After dinner, give the dishwasher a break and wash the dishes by hand. Your arthritic joints will thank you for the light exercise, and the warm water will relax your muscles, loosen your joints, and allow your body a break from the pressure of constant movement.
Epsom Salt Baths
Athletes are well-known for their love of Epsom salt baths, and constant training and monitoring ensures that they stick to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for their treatment. Be sure to follow their lead and add Epsom salts to your bath to accelerate the relief. Once absorbed into your skin, the Epsom salts immediately work to alleviate inflammation and reduce pain.
Diet Changes: Let’s Hit the Kitchen!
Just a few changes to your diet can make all the difference in your battle with arthritis. When taking a homeopathic approach to arthritis, there are three main focus areas for combating arthritis: anti-inflammatory, pain relief, and prevention.
Studies have proven that certain superfoods can help tamper inflammation and pain, and even help to prevent any future recurrences!
Begin by swapping your cooking oil for either olive oil or canola oil. While certain oils can speed up inflammation, the Omega-3 fatty acids in olive oil and canola oil actually reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Omega-3 fatty acids are also found in cold-water fish like salmon and tuna.
Vitamin D is particularly important for those suffering from osteoarthritis. Vitamin D will ease inflammation and related pain, while protecting bones and cartilage by fortifying their structure and making them less susceptible to osteoarthritis. Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts offer an excellent source of calcium. For those suffering from osteoarthritis, and particularly, carpal tunnel, a daily dose of Vitamin E has been shown to reduce pain and allow for a better grip.
Vitamin C is also a main component of an anti-inflammatory diet and has been proven to significantly slow, if not stop altogether, arthritic advancement by helping form collagen. Cloves will also help fight inflammation through eugenol, another property proven to stop arthritis development.
Commonly found in Indian curries, turmeric is full of curcumin, a pain-relieving agent for arthritis. Not a fan of Eastern dishes? Pick up a bottle of Ballpark mustard for your next burger – turmeric is a key ingredient. Ginger is also fantastic for arthritis, because it helps ease arthritic pain in any form. Osteoarthritis is particularly susceptible to the healing powers of ginger. Green tea has even been proven to fight arthritis-causing properties, so try making your own tea or purchase ready-made bags from the store. Apple cider vinegar and natural fish oils will also provide a much-needed dietary boost. Anti-inflammatory foods such as Mediterranean cuisine, which contain a liberal dose of fresh herbs, garlic and olive oil, will also help considerably.
Exercise: Get Moving and Shed Those Pounds!
Exercise is one of the best ways to naturally reduce the severe discomfort caused by arthritis. It’s quite simple: the less you weigh, the less weight on your joints. Exercise will also strengthen your muscles, fortifying your joints and allowing for a solid support system.
Exercise also reduces inflammation and lubricates the joint. Not using your joints will cause them to be stiff and inflammation will increase. Doctors now recommend those that have joints with arthritis to use those joints, even if it is painful at first, as it will decrease the inflammation and keep them lubricated. With continued exercise and use of your joints, pain should decrease.
Stretching is a very important part of the exercise process, because it loosens your body and prepares it for the work to come. It is important to remain cognizant of your pain levels – if you’re prone to morning pain and stiffness, stretching might not be the ideal way to help you start the day. However, many patients report that stretching is significantly better after a hot soak in the tub when their muscles are loose, and mobility is at its peak.
Light exercise, such as light swimming and water aerobics, will keep your joints flexible and well-oiled without adding the extra pressure and pain commonly associated with activities like running and even walking. Moderation is key, and water is an incredible asset because of its overall weightlessness against the human body. This low-impact activity helps to preserve those joints, alleviating further pain and improving flexibility in areas such as the knees and hips.
Many health clubs and fitness centers have tapped into this craze and now offer several options for water aerobics, complete with flexible and affordable classes. Specially trained instructors will teach you important exercises and movements that you can utilize at home long after class has ended!
Don’t forget to refer to our recent blog for help on specific exercise tips!
Massage Therapy Services: Time for a Spa Day!
If you have the means and inclination, acupuncture and massage can be a luxurious, soothing way to unwind and give your achy joints some much-needed TLC.
The Arthritis Foundation shows that regular massage therapy can significantly reduce pain and increase mobility.
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese therapy, utilizes carefully targeted pinpricks from tiny needles. This has long been a proven and heavily employed technique for alleviating many different pains and illnesses, including joint pain.
Cupping is another solution that is highly regarded for arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome. It reduces inflammation through a non-invasive treatment, using a vacuum-effect to lift skin from the muscles and organs, allowing for fresh blood and lymph circulation that accelerates the recovery process. An important part of the process includes removing such harmful toxins as cytokines and uric acid, proteins that cause inflammation and swelling and hamper healthy regrowth. Many patients report immediate relief upon conclusion of their session, and that relief lends to increased and painless mobility.
If the idea of acupuncture or cupping sounds too adventurous for you, a professional massage can be a great alternative. Some patients have experienced such wonderful results that they have become trained in self-massage as well. Classes to learn massage therapy are also abundantly available.
At Arthritis Wonder, we get it. We vow to continue our strong commitment to your continuing care and wellness. We feel your pain, we hear your call for help, and we too feel the desperation of living with arthritis. Our research will continue to provide help to those suffering from this agonizing disease.
Living with arthritis does NOT have to be a daily, insufferable battle once you are educated on the best ways to combat the disease. There are many home remedies available for those suffering from chronic and degenerative arthritis. Some may eliminate pain or inflammation, while others may slow or even stop the deterioration altogether. Through education and research, you can change the way you move, work, and live, and find relief from your pain.