Natural Pain Relief Remedies for Arthritis
Arthritis is a joint condition that causes inflammation and pain. The symptoms of the disease worsen over time, especially if they are left untreated. Even though this condition has no cure, one can manage the symptoms effectively. This article lists some of the best pain relief treatments for arthritis to try at home. One can use these natural remedies to heal joint pain, but it’s always better to consult the doctor first.
Exercise
Exercise can act as one of the best pain relief techniques for arthritis.
Cold and hot therapy
Cold and heat treatment is the best pain relief for arthritis that you can get at home. Cold therapy can reduce joint swelling, inflammation, and pain. An arthritis patient can try cold treatment by wrapping an ice pack around the affected joints. They can also put a packet of frozen vegetables in a cloth and apply that gently on the joints. However, you must never use ice directly on the joints. Hot therapy involves the usage of a heating pad. One can also take a warm shower or soak in a warm bath for some time. Hot therapy can help relax the muscles and lubricate the joints. It is also common to use an electric blanket at night to avoid joint pain and get good sleep.
Meditation
While many people do not believe in meditation’s ability to reduce pain, those who benefit from it know it as the best pain relief for arthritis. It is a relaxation technique that lowers stress, reducing pain and inflammation. Some studies show that mindfulness meditation techniques can significantly help provide relief from arthritis pain. One can also combine different breathing techniques, exercises, and yoga to handle joint pain better. Meditation is also known to control anxiety and depression.
Healthy meal
A healthy meal is often considered the best pain relief for arthritis because it positively impacts your health. Some foods like sugar, saturated fat, processed food, and added salt can affect arthritis-related symptoms. They can lead to heart diseases, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, which are more harmful to arthritis patients. So, arthritis patients should avoid them at all costs. One can opt for a plant-based meal instead. Such a meal helps in eliminating free radicals from your body by providing antioxidants. This leads to reduced levels of inflammation. That is why you must include more vegetables and fruits in your daily meals.
Turmeric
If you want one of the most useful natural pain relief treatments for arthritis, turmeric is your best bet. It is a spice containing curcumin. Curcumin is a chemical with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. According to research, turmeric can effectively reduce symptoms like inflammation and pain. In addition, it is a tasty spice with no side effects. So, you can consider adding a pinch of it to your dishes to get some relief from arthritis pain.
Capsaicin
It is an ingredient found in chili peppers, which gives them their pungent taste. It is known to reduce Substance P, which is a pain transmitter in the nerves. In other words, capsaicin can help in blocking pain signals. A number of studies have indicated that capsaicin is effective in reducing pain and tenderness in joints, particularly in osteoarthritis patients. Arthritis patients can use capsaicin in the form of creams, gels, and patches. But it is advisable to use a small amount first to ensure they are not allergic to the product.
Massage
Massages have many benefits, and they also offer decent pain relief for arthritis. They can reduce your joint pain and improve your health in general. However, massage as a relief from arthritis pain only works when a professional performs it. So, it will help if you ask your doctor to suggest a therapist who can even teach you specific techniques that you can indulge in yourself to get quick relief from joint pain. Massages also help manage stress.
Herbal supplements
There is no scientific proof that a specific herb can reduce joint pain, but some herbal remedies are known to be effective against arthritis symptoms. The most significant ones are stinging nettle, Ginkgo, devil’s claw, bromelain, and Boswellia. However, you must not use any of these supplements without consulting your doctor.
It is safe to say that a combination of multiple therapies and natural remedies can provide relief from arthritis pain.