Arthritis is one of the most chronic and common illnesses affecting millions around the globe. It is a disease that causes inflammation of the joints and considered a rheumatic condition. It doesn’t just harm the joints, but sometimes it can also affect the ligaments, tendons, muscles, and bones.
If the condition spreads, it can also affect other internal organs and the immune system. The symptoms of arthritis include severe ache, pain, stiffness, and swelling in bones and muscles. Arthritis can also drain a person mentally, causing sleep disorders and depression.
Arthritis can cause severe fatigue and pain which can make daily tasks appear daunting.
What causes arthritis?
There are five primary types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Gout. Each type of arthritis has its own set of causes.
Below are some of the primary causes of arthritis:
- Injury
- Infections
- Immune disorders
- Heredity
- Abnormal metabolism
- Muscle disorders
- Age
- Obesity
How to treat arthritis?
The treatment for arthritis involves enriching the bones, joints or muscles, controlling the pain, and alleviating the symptoms. The treatment or care also focuses on minimizing the damage on the joints or nearby muscles and organs.
Home and natural remedies for arthritis involves augmenting the dietary and lifestyle habits. It can help in treating and also preventing the further spread of arthritis or its conditions.
Natural remedies for arthritis
Ginger
Ginger is favored around the globe for its rich medical properties. It contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These and other components of ginger work together in reducing pain, inflammation, and disability.
Ginger also promotes weight loss and boosts immunity which improves the body’s ability to alleviate arthritis. It plays another critical role by increasing blood circulation and supporting the affected area with its healing properties.
Use powdered ginger to add flavors to dishes. Add grated ginger root to soups, teas or juices to experience its benefits.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a superfood that reduces inflammation. It is rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium which are known to be highly beneficial in treating arthritis.
See Also: A List of Superfoods You Definitely Need in Your Diet
Adding broccoli to salads is the most common practice to take in their benefits.
Healthy dietary management to fight arthritis.
Below are some of the foods for arthritis patients:
Sulfur rich foods: Asparagus, cabbage, garlic, and onions.
Antioxidant foods: Brussel sprouts, broccoli, carrots, spinach, red & green peppers.
Vitamin-rich fruits: Avocados, berries, melons, papaya, pineapple.
Herbal teas, garlic, turmeric, and cinnamon are highly recommended. These are loaded with anti-inflammatory and immune system boosting properties.
These foods help in rebuilding the damaged tissues, inhibit or reduce inflammation, and alleviate the pain associated with arthritis.
On the other hand, these foods also help in reducing weight, improving the immune system, and overall health which can ease the treatment of the condition.
Essential nutrients for managing arthritis
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the essential nutrients that helps in absorbing calcium and building strong bones. It also regulates the immune system to fight arthritis from inside.
Vitamin D is also vital for muscle movement, fighting inflammation, and enriching the communication between nerves. These attributes help reduce the associated symptoms and reduce stress.
Sun and yogurt are the best sources of vitamin D. Supplements are also recommended to fuel the body with significant amounts of vitamin D.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing inflammation and improving the immune system. These essential fatty acids increase the blood flow, reduce joint pains, inflammation, tenderness, swelling, and discomfort in the joints and knees.
Seafood is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Generally, supplements of omega-3 fatty acids are also recommended for those who do not eat fish. You can also get them from nuts and seeds.
Glucosamine, magnesium, and calcium are other essential nutrients that should be taken in significant amounts to treat arthritis.
Warm water therapy
Warm water therapy regulates the size of blood vessels. It, in turn, increases the flow of blood, oxygen, and essential nutrients to repair the damaged tissues. It also eases the stiffness and gives more relaxation to the joints and muscles.
How to do it:
- Relax in a tub of warm water or soak your legs in warm water.
- The other way is to apply a warm compress to the affected area.
Avoid this therapy if you see any redness or swelling. You could also try a cold compress which has a similar effect. The cold compress does the opposite and reduces the blood flow and decreases inflammation.
Massage
Arthritis, as mentioned above, can limit mobility or cause severe pain when the affected person does physical workout. In such cases, massage therapy can be helpful.
Regular massage can soothe the pain, improve blood flow, increase flexibility, and strengthen the joints and muscles.
Besides, massage is known to inhibit the stress hormone and boost the serotonin levels, which can improve the mood.
Walking or swimming are also other physical exercises that can help in treating arthritis. Go easy on this routine or work out under an expert’s guidance. These simple exercises can reduce fat, improve coordination, mood, and quality of life.
What to Avoid
A person who has arthritis should take necessary measures to avoid the following:
- Flour and wheat products
- Red meat
- Alcohol
- Processed or starchy foods
- High-sugar foods
- High-intensity exercises
- Weight-lifting
Conclusion
These tips on treating arthritis can naturally help in alleviating the symptoms, reducing the pain, and treating the condition in the early stages. These remedies also help in improving the everyday physical and mental abilities.
However, in severe or chronic conditions of arthritis, it is a must to get proper treatment from a doctor. Otherwise, it could cause permanent damage and progress to other parts.
See Also: Words of Advice To Keep Your Joints Healthy
Author Bio:
Henna is a wellness lifestyle writer. She loves sharing her thoughts and personal
experiences related to natural remedies, Ayurvedic, yoga and fitness through her
writing. She currently writes for How To Cure. She can connect with others experiencing
health concerns and help them through their recovery journeys through natural
remedies