Arthritis Pain Relieved with Natural Treatments

Arthritis is a group of painful conditions where inflammation and swelling lead to severe pain in joints. In the case of osteoarthritis or Ostero Arthritis referred to also as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, inflammation in the joints leads to a breakdown of the cartilage that forms a cushion between the bones. In addition to the knees and hips, the spine and the joints of the fingers are also frequently affected by osteoarthritis. Genetics may be involved in the development of osteo arthritis, however, other factors may contribute, such as: previous injuries, infections, obesity, hormonal imbalances, pregnancy and allergies. Osteoarthritis is reported more commonly associated with aging, however, people under 40 do also experience the condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes similar painful symptoms as a result of the body’s immune system attacking itself. Environmental, genetic and hormonal factors all contribute to the inflammation of the joints and breakdown of the cartilage. Arthritis negative sero is another term for sero negative rheumatoid arthritis where sufferers also experience inflammation of the joints and severe pain.

Treating rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis with alternative therapies is often successful. Reflex zone therapy, massage, hydrotherapy, herbal remedies, acupuncture, dietary changes and supplements are just some of the ways sufferers find relief from arthritis symptoms. Try an arthritis herb, rheumatoidremedy or another treatment for relief from the pain and swelling of arthritis. Herbal preparations have been used as arthritis home remedies for centuries and many are simple and inexpensive.

Ginger is an important and easily accessible arthritis herbal remedy. Ginger can decrease inflammation and can be eaten or taken as a supplement. For gout associated with rheumatoid arthritis, increased uric acid damages the mobility of the joints. Celery seeds have been shown to dispel uric acid from the joints, increasing mobility and relieving pain.

The herb boswellia is an ideal herbal therapy for degenerative arthritis and inflammation. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties. A combination of ashwagandha, zinc, boswellia and turmeric can effectively treat joint stiffness.

Feverfew is an important arthritis herb, rheumatoidtreatment and anti-inflammatory to help relieve pain. Willow bark, another herb with anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties, is often used to treat degenerative arthritis. Cayenne, devil’s claw and cat’s claw, which eliminate uric acid and reduce the impact of inflammation, are also helpful.

Arthritis herbal remedies are even more successful when combined with arthritis diets.

Daily exercise and a diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables can help people with arthritis or those worried about developing it. That’s because foods rich in antioxidants help reduce inflammation by eliminating toxins from the body. Fruits like apples and oranges have a high vitamin C content to help relieve pain. The fiber in whole grains and cereals helps prevent arthritis symptoms. Blueberries and cherries have antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties as well as collagen stabilizing abilities.

It is recommended that those with arthritis avoid food with high cholesterol and fats. Red meat, sugar, refined carbohydrates and dairy products all aggravate arthritis and should be avoided. Many arthritis symptoms are linked to problems with cholesterol, indigestion and over-acidity. One way to balance acid in the body is consuming more fruits and vegetables. Fish oils are also recommended.

A highly recommended supplement is hyaluronic acid, a lubricant found in every part of the body. Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced as a part of joint fluid. It moisturizes and thickens the cartilage, increasing its cushioning effect. For those with both degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis, a drastic drop in hyaluronic acid levels leads to an increase of arthritic conditions. The FDA has approved hyaluronic acid rheumatoid arthritis treatments, both orally and by injection into the knee and other joints. There are no major side effects of hyaluronic acid knee injections. Scientific studies are continuing to explore the arthritis-hyaluronic acid connection.  Osteoarthritis hyaluronic acid treatment can benefit most osteoarthritis sufferers and taking hyaluronic acid supplements provide relief without injections.

Glucosamine sulphate is another naturally occurring substance in the joints and supplements of it encourage growth of the cartilage. Chondroitin sulphate also helps to replenish cartilage that has been depleted. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are effective for osteoarthritis knee pain relief. Glucosamine/chondroitin arthritis treatment reduces joint pain and stiffness. Many arthritis supplements combine glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and SAMe. Shoulder pain relief, arthritis relief, and knee pain relief are experienced by many people who use this combination. Additionally, hyaluronic acid can be combined with supplemental glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM in shoulder pain relief. Arthritispatients report success when undergoing treatment of arthritis with glucosamine and hyaluronic acid. With no harmful side effects, these natural substances provide hope and help for those with arthritis pain.

References:

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Gregory PJ, Sperry M, Wilson AF. Dietary supplements for osteoarthritis. American Family Physician. 2008 Jan 15;77(2):177-84.

James NT, Miller CW, Fos PJ, Zhang L, Wall P, Welch C. Health status, physical disability, and obesity among adult Mississippians with chronic joint symptoms or doctor-diagnosed arthritis: findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2003. Preventing Chronic Disease. 2008 Jul;5(3):A85.

Regan EA, Bowler RP, Crapo JD. Joint fluid antioxidants are decreased in osteoarthritic joints compared to joints with macroscopically intact cartilage and subacute injury. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage. 2008 Apr;16(4):515-21.

Usha PR, Naidu MU. Randomised, Double-Blind, Parallel, Placebo-Controlled Study of Oral Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane and their Combination in Osteoarthritis. Clinical Drug Investigation. 2004;24(6):353-63.