People generally think of arthritis as an “old person’s” disease. In reality anyone can be afflicted with this painful condition. In order to alleviate the pain associated with this disease, many people have turned to prescription or over the counter remedies. Unfortunately, the side effects from these remedies are often as bad as the pain from the arthritis itself. That may be why so many people are turning to safer, gentler arthritis home remedies.
While you should never just stop taking a prescription your doctor has given you without talking to him first, you may be able to combine some home remedies for arthritis along with your prescription. This might make it possible to cut back on the amount of pain relievers you have to take, thus diminishing many of the negative side effects. Following are some arthritis home remedies that many people have found to be quite useful.
Cod liver oil is a cheap and natural way of helping sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis, one of the most common forms of the condition. A recent study demonstrated that two teaspoons a day can cut the number of painkillers needed to ease the pain of arthritis. Many patients given the supplements were able to reduce their daily dose of anti-inflammatory drugs, some by more than 30 per cent.
Apple cider vinegar is another supplement that shows promise as a natural treatment for arthritis. It is believed that apple cider vinegar works because its high potassium content dissolves calcium deposits around the joints. Some experts recommend ingesting a combination of apple cider vinegar, honey and water, one to three times daily.
Flax seed oil is used by many as a natural cure for arthritis, particularly those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Flax seed oil is high in omega 3 fatty acids, which can help ease the inflammation that leads to aches and pains in the joints.
Due to its anti inflammatory properties, regular use of aloe can help reduce the painful swelling of arthritis.There is evidence that aloe vera can repair damaged tissue in the joints through the regeneration of cells. You can massage aloe vera gel or cream onto the affected area, or you can drink some aloe vera juice.
Another home remedy for arthritis you might want to explore is a combination of grape juice and pectin. Grape juice is loaded with antioxidants, and pectin (a thickening agent used for preserves) seems to help relieve inflammation in the joints.
Something as simple as using a heating pad when you are sitting at your computer or watching TV might offer you a lot of relief for your swollen and achy joints. Also make sure you keep your home comfortably heated during the winter months so you don’t get cold.
Many people have reported that having a nice long soak in a tub full of warm water has helped them find some pain relief too. Another benefit is that this can help relax you which is something very precious when you are living with such a painful condition.
Another tip that may help is to use warm olive oil and massage it into your sore joints. No need to stop at just your joints either; massage the tendons leading to your joints. For example, if your knees are sore, massage a little up your thighs too. While it may not smell that great, many people have reported getting relief by massaging with warm vinegar.
Ice and heat and also effective natural remedies for this condition. The general rule of thumb is to apply ice before the joints are swollen. If they are already inflamed you should only apply heat. If you get to them before they are swollen ice can work very effectively. Generally if any treatment hurts you should stop.
Using a cream or ointment specifically created to ease joint pain can help provide relief overnight. Apply the cream at bedtime and you may have a less painful time sleeping, which means you’ll actually be rested the next day.
As difficult as it may be to do, most doctors recommend that you try to stay active. The more you work your joints the looser you’ll be able to keep them. Try low impact activities such as yoga or swimming. These exercises are a great way to stay in shape and keep your joints limber and they won’t stress your joints further since they have virtually no impact on them.
You don’t have to resign yourself to suffering with arthritis pain, or rely solely on prescription or over the counter products. There are many simple yet highly effective arthritis home remedies. As with anything, some natural cures will work better for some people than others so it’s really just a matter of finding the best combination of treatments for you.
