According to the Arthritis Foundation, over 50 million adults are diagnosed with Arthritis. In fact, the statistics of this condition is expected to rise up to 67 million by the year 2030. The risk of Arthritis does increase with age that’s why almost half of adults age 65 and older suffer from this joint inflammation. Arthritis is a serious condition that can disrupt a person’s everyday life. Due to the pain, their ability to daily activities become limited and sometimes results to anxiety or depression.
There is no known exact cure for arthritis. But physical therapy, medications, alternative meds, surgery and lifestyle changes can be used to manage the pain and inflammation.
If you want to manage arthritis naturally, here are 6 different ways to do so.
1. Lose Weight
Extra weight puts more pressure on your joints which causes a lot of pain. So try to lose weight to reduce the stress on your joint area and improve your mobility and further damage.
2. Exercise
Aside from helping you with weight loss, regular exercise will help maintain flexibility in your joints. When you become sedentary, the synovial fluid in the joints thicken and become smooth, this results to pain. By continuously moving, these fluids become viscous, which then lubricates the joints and facilitates smooth movements. But remember not to overdo it. Go for low-impact exercises that don’t add further stress to your joints. Try swimming, water aerobics, yoga or brisk walking.
3. Turmeric
This yellow spice contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce arthritis pain. Add this to your dishes or make Turmeric Tea. If you don’t like the taste of it, Turmeric supplements available too.
4. Epsom Salt
Epsom Salt contains high levels of magnesium which is a very good natural pain reliever. When pain occurs, an Epsom Salt Soak can help. To do this, you need a half a cup of Epsom Salt mixed with warm water in a large bowl and submerge your sore joints in the liquid. Another option would be an Epsom Salt bath – just fill the tub with warm water and 2 cups of Epsom Salt then stay in the water for at least 15 minutes.
5. Magnesium
Speaking of Magnesium, this is an essential mineral that our bodies can’t make on our own. It relaxes our muscles and nerve endings, relieving stiffness and pain. Make sure that you eat Magnesium-rich foods such as dark leafy vegetables, nuts and legumes. There also Magnesium capsules that can be taken together with your diet or Magnesium Oil to rub to your sore joints.
6. Peppermint & Eucalyptus
We all know that these two have cooling properties, bud did you know that they also have analgesic properties? Yes, peppermint and eucalyptus can relieve pain and help produce a cooling sensation. Mix 5-10 drops of each essential oil and 1-2 tbsp. of any carrier oil such as olive or grapeseed and use this to rub in aching joints to ease the pain.
With all these home and natural remedies in mind, remember that it is strongly advised that you seek professional help to address your concerns and to check your overall health. It’s not enough to just manage the pain when it happens. It is important that you will be diagnosed correctly and given the proper medical treatment.
